Is Sean Strickland now angling for a Khamzat Chimaev rematch?Strickland upset Chimaev to claim the middleweight title by split decision at UFC 328 in May, handing "Borz" his first-career loss. It was a close fight, where Chimaev slowed down early. He eventually caught a second wind, but it wasn't enough in the judges' eyes.Nassourdine Imavov is "100 percent confident" he's the No. 1 contender, something that Strickland (31-7 MMA, 18-7 UFC) initially acknowledged. However, Strickland chose to go after Chimaev (15-1 MMA, 9-1 UFC) in his latest tweet."Yall keep asking me when Im gonna fight again. Shoulder is getting solid, need a little longer.As to who Im fighting.. Chimeav keeps running his f*cking mouth.Want me to teach you how to cut weight so you can stop bitching for a second L?"Yall keep asking me when Im gonna fight again. Shoulder is getting solid, need a little longer. As to who Im fighting.. Chimeav keeps running his fucking mouth.Want me to teach you how to cut weight so you can stop bitching for a second L? Sean Strickland (@SStricklandMMA) July 30, 2026Chimaev, who's been heavily campaigning to run things back, clapped back at Strickland."This coward started talking again, when you see me again, ask for forgiveness, you're good at that, the most important thing is don't cry like a girl next time."This coward started talking again, when you see me again, ask for forgiveness, you're good at that, the most important thing is don't cry like a girl next time Khamzat Chimaev (@KChimaev) July 31, 2026With Strickland turning his attention away, Imavov (17-4 MMA, 9-2 UFC) chimed in."Youll do what youre told. See you soon."Youll do what youre told. See you soon Imavov Nassourdine (@imavov1) July 31, 2026This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Rematch? Sean Strickland says Khamzat Chimaev 'keeps running his f*cking mouth'

Countdown to kickoff is back! USC will kick offits 2026 football seasonon August 29 when theTrojanshost San Jose State at the Coliseum. In this series, we will be counting down the days until the season opener by highlighting a notable Trojan who wore each number.With 29 days to go, today we look at former USC running back Vavae Malepeai.Position:Running backYears played at USC:2016-2021Career highlights:Although never the flashiest running back, Malepeai was Mr. Consistent for USC. After redshirting in 2016 and serving in a backup role in 2017, Malepeai was one of the Trojans two primary backs for each of the next four seasons. In 2018, 2019, and 2021, he finished with over 500 rushing yards and at least six touchdowns.Malepeai wore number 29 for his first five years at USC, before switching to number six for his final season in 2021.After USC: From 2023 through 2025, Malepeai served as an offensive quality control analyst at Stanford. In March, he was hired as the running backs coach at UC Davis.Contact/Follow@TrojansWireon X (formerly Twitter) and like our page onFacebookto follow ongoing coverage ofUSC Trojansnews, notes and opinion.This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: USC countdown to kickoff: Recalling Trojans RB Vavae Malepeai

SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) Vozinha, the breakout Cape Verde goalkeeper who rose to global fame during the World Cup, will be allowed to display his nickname on his jersey when he joins Chilean football.The exception was unanimously approved on Friday by the ANFP, which organizes Chile's Primera Division.The decision required amending league regulations, which previously mandated that players wear only their surnames on their jerseys. Top executives across Chilean clubs backed the request on behalf of the player, whose full name is Josimar Jos vora Dias.However, questions continue to mount over the goalkeepers actual arrival. Announced a week ago as a marquee signing for Colo-Colo Chiles most decorated club the 40-year-old Vozinha was initially scheduled to land in Santiago on Tuesday. After visa issues delayed his travel to Thursday, he ultimately failed to board his flight, raising alarms among the club and its fanbase.Amid growing concern, Colo-Colo director Jaime Pizarro insisted the deal was still on.We have been in contact with his agent as recently as a few minutes ago, Pizarro told reporters late Thursday, explaining that Vozinha requested an extension to resolve some personal matters that he did not elaborate on.During the ANFP meeting, Colo-Colo president Anbal Mosa reportedly acknowledged the contract has not yet been signed. According to details leaked to local media, being allowed to use his nickname on his shirt was one of Vozinhas conditions for accepting the deal.Colo-Colo coach Fernando Ortiz backed Pizarro on Friday, confirming he spoke directly with the goalkeeper while remaining cautious about the transfer.We spoke, and I could tell he was happy and pleased, Ortiz said during a press conference. Although he isnt very expressive by nature, he is excited about the prospect of coming here though he obviously has personal matters to take care of. The excitement surrounding a figure like him entering our league is understandable. Lets hope he resolves his situation soon so we can count on him.Despite being active on social media, Vozinha has not yet publicly commented on the potential move to Chile. Coach Ortiz, however, remained unfazed: Things are being done the right way, he emphasized.___AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

As NFL teams open training camps this week, there are significant football numbers being unveiled. Yes, EA Sports celebrated "Madden NFL 27 Ratings Week," with a few elite players earning the rare 99 rating and everyone else complaining. The target of their disappointment is former Bengals receiver Chad Ochocinco Johnson, who made six Pro Bowls in a colorful 11-year NFL career and has found a second chapter as a "ratings adjuster" for EA Sports, traveling to games and scouting players in person for his role in choosing their rating. Johnson took a few minutes to talk with FOX Sports about the seriousness and silliness of football video game ratings and his readiness to back up his numbers when players take issue. Chomping on a cigar and wearing an MLS soccer jacket, he talked about everything from a penchant for generous tipping to his favorite receivers to the World Cup and his love of McDonald's. What is your phone like on a day like today when players find out their ratings for the year? Johnson: In the past, when they didn't have someone that was in charge of the ratings, they could be upset. They could complain. You can't complain to me, because I can pull up and show you exactly what you are. I can show you why you're an 82. You see, this game, where you disappear because you're playing against one of the better players in the NFL. That's why you're rated where you are. Can you do it week in and week out against the best? You disappear; that's why you're not rated high. There's a reason Myles Garrett is a f---ing 99. I'm a former player that played at a very high level and was elite at what he did. This is why you're rated where you are: you disappear in f---ing games. I don't want you to name specific names, but is there a position that might complain the most about ratings? Johnson: Every position complains. I'm not going to call out names, but especially skill-position DBs and receivers. Oh man, yeah. The funny thing about this is a great thing: You have 17 weeks to show me otherwise. You have 17 weeks to show me and don't disappear. Listen, I understand you're going to drop the ball as a defensive back. You're going to get beat. It happens. I don't care who you are; it shouldn't happen often. But you can appreciate how much these numbers actually mean to players. Johnson: It meant something to me, because I'm a huge gamer. That's a reflection of who I am. Your ratings numbers are a reflection of what you do on the field. That's why it means so much. Your title is ratings adjuster. How much adjusting can you do based on your own opinion? Up or down a point? Two? Johnson: Yeah, I would say so. I think my input when it comes to adjusting, outside of those who are above my pay grade, my input matters, because I actually played the game. Not saying they're not worthy of being able to analyze and make decisions based on what they can also see. Our eyes are one and the same. Even if you haven't played the game, you can see: You know what? This guy, he's not really what he thinks he is, and this is why. Having me in there to give that input, it pays dividends. Everything is fair, based on where everyone is rated right now. If you don't like where you're rated, show me on Sunday. You get to take very seriously something that's still just a video game. Do you enjoy how seriously some people take it? Johnson: Absolutely, because it's more than just a video game. Your production is based on how you get paid, so we base your production on your rating as well. It might just be a video game to some, but to some, it's a serious matter. I know the 99s are elite, and you're careful in how you give them out. Who is someone who doesn't have a 99 this year, but is closest? Johnson: Easy, the quarterbacks, Patrick Mahomes (93 rating this year). [Matthew] Stafford and [Josh] Allen are the only two [99s] this year. Mahomes, Lamar Jackson (94 overall), of course. Can you get it done in the playoffs where it matters most? Some receivers should very well be back in the conversation. Justin Jefferson (94 overall), now you have a quarterback. The inconsistency at play at the quarterback position is why you're not rated where you once were. Puka Nacua (98) has a chance this year to be a 99 at some point because he is really good. His body of work is phenomenal. You're on the road for 18 weeks straight during the season. Your schedule isn't set yet, but what's that like for you? Johnson: I'm ready for it. I'm excited. I love it, because it allows me to still be around the game. It still allows me to be integrated intothe game in some sort. Anyone who follows you on social media knows how generous you are, leaving $1,000 tips at nearly any restaurant. When did that start, and why is it still so important for you to help people out like that? Johnson: That started for me back in 2001, when I first came into some money. I remember at times not being able to tip as much as I'd like in high school, going to IHOP, going to Denny's, hearing their stories on how the service industry or minimum wage wasn't enough. It wasn't a livable wage in general, and everybody, they say, 'Well, get a better job,' not understanding how difficult it is for certain people based on their circumstances to for one, have transportation for a better job. Everybody's in unfortunate situations they can't control. What I can control is the man upstairs being able to bless me in abundance, and me being able to make sure I'm going to make this individual's day. I started the $1,000 tipping in 2001, and I've been doing it now for the past 25 years. Shannon [Sharpe] and I had a funny argument on "Nightcap" about this. He tips based on service, and a lot of people jumped on me about, "Well, if the service is bad, I'm not tipping." The first thing I say is we've lived in this world a very long time, and we've all dealt with some goddamn idiots. So there's no telling what this server had to deal with before you. I'm always tipping $1,000 because you never know what the person had to go through, had to deal with before you got there. Do you think servers know who you are now? Are they fighting to get your table at places? Johnson: I like when they're not aware, but sure, especially when I'm in Miami and when I'm in Cincinnati, I go to restaurants, and they already know what's coming. I just left Charlotte after two days. They had no idea, but they knew once I left. It's something I will always continue to do as long as the man upstairs continues to bless me. I will always do that. I know you're a huge soccer fan, and you make a point to get to the biggest games. If I give you a chance to brag, who are the elite soccer players you've been able to meet in person? Johnson: That's easy. Multiple times, obviously the two best in the world, the GOATs, depending on who you ask, would be Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi. I've met them since Messi was a baby. Not a literal baby, but at Barcelona, I was there when he debuted. Ronaldinho and I have met. We're friends now. Cristiano and I are friends since he was at Sporting Lisbon. [Mario] Balotelli, [Paul] Pogba, [Gerard] Piqu, Marcelo. Oh, my goodness! The list goes on and on. Son Heung-Min, meeting one of my favorite South Korean players who played for Tottenham. Sol Campbell, Thierry Henry, [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic. Oh, my goodness. Samuel Eto'o. Let me think. Neymar, obviously. Brazilian Ronaldo, who I've met twice; he doesn't speak good English, but "That's Ocho, I know his face." Kaka and I became friends when he was here at Orlando City. Antoine Griezmann, who played at Atletico and for the French national team, he's now at Orlando City and I know him extremely well. Just to name a few. Every offseason, as soon as the season ends, I just leave and go to Europe and I hop from city to city. Because of me being with Reebok or when I was with Nike, they bridge the gap to meet the players easily. How proud were you of how the United States handled hosting a World Cup? Johnson: It was beautiful. It was beautiful. The fact that we did such a phenomenal job, Gianni [Infantino] having the World Cup here in the U.S. and all the parties and power that be were involved, converted a lot of people into loving the game of soccer. It's so difficult for us to appreciate here because we have so many other sports to choose from, but getting a better cultural aspect on how good and how awesome those games could be, especially for those able to attend matches in person. Listen, we love our sports here. We think we're crazy about them. They went crazy in New York about the Knicks winning a championship. Go to a regular game in Europe. We got a small sample size, an appetizer of what it's like for them culturally when it comes to the beautiful game. I think it was a great thing and we converted a lot of fans. I think the MLS will take over from here, continuing to grow the game here in the States. Unrelated: How many days out of 365 in a year are you eating at McDonald's? Johnson: Honestly, maybe 362. I just call that a fasting day. Always the same McDonald's? Johnson: Any time I'm in Miami, it's the same McDonald's. When I'm in Cincinnati, it's the same McDonald's over in Covington. When I travel, it's a little bit different. Wherever the closest one is to the hotel, that's where I frequent. I do eat other things. What do you think of this year's Bengals? The offense will be great, but what about the defense? Johnson: That's the problem. With the concerns, I'm hoping those voids are filled. Having Brian Cook come in, Dexter Lawrence to help with the run, we have some young linebackers who played somewhat well, had their ups and downs as rookies. I'm looking for them to make that next step. I'm excited for us. I'm not worried about us offensively. I'm worried about us defensively, and our defense has been our Achilles heel for a very long time. If we can have a good year defensively and we score 35 or 30 a game like we already did, if we don't allow the other team to score 40, I'm happy. I don't know what's going to happen. I know we made the improvements necessary to give us the best chance to win. You had one year with the Patriots. What's your favorite Tom Brady story? Johnson: My favorite Tom Brady story, I can't even tell. It's just personal. Athletes confide in you in a way that it would never get out, and that's something that you would never tell. But Tommy, Tommy is awesome, man. He's one of those guys you see on TV. To see him as a quarterback, it's like if God said, "You know what, I'm going to make the perfect person." Not only a person, the perfect football player that people can look up to. It is him, man. Words can't describe what Tom means to me, not as a teammate but as a friend. Who are your top five receivers in today's NFL? Johnson: That's easy. I'm always putting Uno first. Ja'Marr Chase always goes first. Justin Jefferson would be 2. Three is tricky. I'm going to slash it between Puka Nacua and JSN (Jaxon Smith-Njigba). The four and five get tricky because there are so many people worthy of that slot. We could go CeeDee Lamb. The way George Pickens played last year, we could put George there as well. What about A.J. Brown? What about DeVonta Smith? You know, it's so tough. I'm just going to name those four, because there are so many others that are worthy, and I'm not trying to piss anybody off. Last year, you were way ahead in picking the Panthers to win their division. Who are your breakout teams for 2026? Johnson: That's a great question. Can I go out on a limb and say the New York Jets? I'm not sure that limb is as sturdy as it was last year when I said the Bears and Panthers and stood on a table and beat my chest about them. They did exactly what I said they were going to do. I want to say the Jets. I think Aaron Glenn, in his second year, has a tremendous amount of change offensively, having a quarterback in Geno Smith with the arm talent like no other up there with Matt Stafford and Aaron Rodgers, regardless of what people may think about it. Garrett Wilson should have a year, and then for them to steer that ship, changing some of the bad tastes people have had in their mouths over the years.

Joseph Tsai and Clara Wu Tsai, the owners of the Brooklyn Nets and New York Liberty, are set to divorce, according to a statement shared with multiple outlets.The couples relationship has evolved into more of a partnership, one of running their businesses and raising their children together in recent years, according to the statement shared with Sportico and Page Six. The statement added that the divorce is amicable and that the partnership will remain strong and professional.The split will not affect the couples ownership stakes or roles within the teams and parent company Brooklyn Sports and Entertainment (BSE), which was owned and founded by the Tsais. Joseph Tsai will continue to be the chairman of BSE and the governor of the Nets, and Clara Wu Tsai will remain the vice chair of BSE and governor of the Liberty.They will continue to own and be stewards of the teams with professional management in place as they always have, the statement said.Per the statement, the long-term plan is to involve their three grown children in the business. The Tsais have been married since 1996, and have three children, Jacob, Alex and Dash.Joe and Clara Wu Tsai with their children after the Liberty won the WNBA championship in 2024. (AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey)ASSOCIATED PRESSJoe Tsai, a cofounder and chairman of Chinese e-commerce company Alibaba, currently resides in Hong Kong, while Clara Wu Tsai lives in the United States.The Tsais, then Nets minority owners, bought the Liberty in January 2019, purchasing the team from James Dolan and Madison Square Garden Entertainment. In September, the Tsais became full owners of the Nets after reaching a deal with then-controlling owner Mikhail Prokhorov.The pair oversaw the Libertys permanent relocation to Brooklyns Barclays Center, after multiple seasons in White Plains, New York, and the teams first WNBA championship in 2024.

Bob McElligott, former radio voice of the Blue Jackets, took to social media July 31 to issue comments after the team's recent decision to not renew his contract.More: Columbus Blue Jackets cut ties with radio voice Bob McElligottMcElligott, who declined an interview request from The Dispatch on July 30, handled radio play-by-play calls for the Blue Jackets the past 17 years. The Jackets' plan moving forward is to simulcast their TV broadcast called by Steve Mears and analyst Jody Shelley.Two words pic.twitter.com/BPOTrUIHNG Bob McElligott (@BobbyMacSports) July 31, 2026The Blue Jackets will also shift to the NHL producing their TV broadcasts but haven't issued specifics about what format fans will need to watch them.After releasing a statement following the Blue Jackets' announcement July 29 that he won't return, McElligott has now posted a video on his Twitter/X account that's aimed at fans who've shown support and outrage following the decision."Well, it's been a tough week, but I just wanted to take a minute to express my gratitude and appreciation to you for all the nice things that you've said to me and about me on social media in the last couple of days," McElligott said. "You know, every night when you sit down behind a microphone, you have no idea who you're talking to. Heck, some nights, you don't know if you're talking to anybody at all. But what I've learned this week is that I've been talking to a lot of people and that I've had an effect on a lot of people."pic.twitter.com/FdgmoBneCF Bob McElligott (@BobbyMacSports) July 29, 2026After vowing to be "back and doing something else," at some point, McElligott ended the video with an ode to his usual way to celebrate Blue Jackets wins. ("I've got two words for ya! Game over!" he would exclaim.)"In the meantime," he said in his recorded statement to fans, "I'm going to end this the only way I know how. I got two words for ya! Thank you."Dispatch Blue Jackets/Crew reporter Brian Hedger can be reached at bhedger@dispatch.comThis article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Bob McElligott shares message to fans after Columbus Blue Jackets exit

GLASGOW, Scotland (AP) A boxer from Tuvalu earned her tiny South Pacific nation's first ever Commonwealth Games medal without winning a fight on Friday.Tarona Taafaki lost her only bout in the womens 75-kilogram class to India's Lovlina Borgohain, losing every round on all three of the judges' cards.Because there were only five entrants, Taafaki received a bye to the last four, meaning she was automatically guaranteed at least a bronze medal.But her coach and father says the population of Tuvalu an island southeast of Tonga will celebrate the medal and use it to highlight a climate change emergency.Badi Taafaki, whose son Pasoni competed earlier in the Games and lost his only bout at 70 kg, told the British Press Association: "For the people of Tuvalu, this medal means everything.We're one of the smallest nations in the world, so a medal like this is hugely significant. We have worked so hard to get here. For me as a coach, its a stepping stone.Tarona and Pasoni are the two oldest of eight children, all of whom are boxers. They are based in New Zealand in order to take advantage of better facilities.My children are very fortunate," Badi said. They have opportunities and facilities that I never had. Boxing is our whole life. Strength is in our bloodline.Athletes on the island famously train on its airport runway, the most stable land mass on an island increasingly threatened by rising sea levels. Climate experts predict half of the nation's capital, Funafuti, could be submerged by 2050.Yes, we train on the airport runway, Badi said. "When a plane comes in, everyone moves aside. As soon as it leaves, we go back on the tarmac, because there is nowhere else to train.If we can win medals, more people around the world will recognize Tuvalu and begin to understand the challenges we face because of climate change."It is very real for us. The coastal erosion is unbelievable, and the countdown is now measured in years, not decades. Some islands have lost half their land. At high tide the sea comes right through. People living on the coast cant sleep if theres a storm, because the waves can come straight through their homes.Tarona is not the first boxer to win a Commonwealth Games medal without winning a fight. Australias Taylah Robertson picked up a bronze in the womens flyweight category on the Gold Coast in 2018 despite losing her bout to Englands Lisa Whiteside.

CLEVELAND, OHIO - DECEMBER 28: Rayshawn Jenkins #5 of the Cleveland Browns looks on from the field during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Huntington Bank Field on December 28, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesThe Pittsburgh Steelers hosted veteran safety Rayshawn Jenkins for a workout today, per Nick Farabaugh of PennLive. Jenkins spent the 2025 season with the Cleveland Browns, intercepting one pass and registering 45 tackles across 17 games played. Jenkins was drafted in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft out of Miami by the Los Angeles Chargers, intercepting five passes in his first three seasons. He has also spent time with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Seattle Seahawks.The Steelers are thin at the safety position. Jalen Ramsey is currently injured and expected to float from safety to nickel, and the only other names behind DeShon Elliott and Jaquan Brisker are Darnell Savage, Sebastian Castro, and Robert Spears-Jennings. The Steelers went the veteran route a season ago, signing Chuck Clark in the midst of training camp.Let us know what you think in the comments.Be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more!Steelers training camp: Mike McCarthys thumbprint already visible in PittsburghMike McCarthy sees big things coming for Asante Samuel JrSteelers host former Jaguars QB for tryoutSteelers training camp: Will Howard takes command of backup QB battleFormer Steelers linebacker signs with 49ers

Here's the latest Yankeesnews and buzz ahead of the Aug. 3 MLB trade deadline...July 31, 5:14 p.m.The Yankees continue to look for impact right-handed bats ahead of the deadline and it seems Orioles outfielder Taylor Ward is on their radar.The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reports that the Yankees are one of a number of teams with varying interest in Ward. The other teams include the Phillies, Guardians and Rangers.The injuries to Aaron Judge and Cody Bellinger may push GM Brian Cashman to make a move for a proven outfielder like Ward.Ward, 32, is slashing .248/.383/.350 with an OPS of .733 to go along with seven home runs and 30 RBI.Ward is an unrestricted free agent after this season.July 30, 9:18 a.m.The Yankees, Rays, and Red Sox are among the teams expressing interest in Rockies All-Star catcher Hunter Goodman, reports Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.Per Rosenthal, the Rockies have been asking inquiring teams for their No. 1 prospect as part of the talks.Goodman, 26, holds immense value due to his salary ($810,000 this season) and years of control (he's arbitration-eligible through 2029).New York is in need of catching help, with Austin Wells having an alarmingly bad year with the bat -- hitting .159 with a .525 OPS in 214 at-bats.Goodman, who has been an All-Star the last two seasons, is slashing .254/.326/.545 with 31 homers in 100 games this year.July 29, 8:07 p.m.The Yankees are casting a wide net for catching help at the deadline, and that includes the Orioles' Adley Rutschman.According to the NY Post's Jon Heyman, the Yankees are among teams that have checked in on Rutschman.Rutschman, 28, is a switch-hitter who is currently on the IL with left wrist inflammation but is in the midst of his third All-Star season. In 67 games, Rutschman is slashing .251/.331/.433 with an OPS of .764. He has eight home runs and driven in 47 RBI. The Orioles backstop has one more year of arbitration before he's a free agent in 2028.New York has also been connected to Ryan Jeffers, despite the Twins announcing they want to be buyers, and the Reds' Tyler Stephenson.July 25, 5:07 p.m.The Nationals could be sellers at the trade deadline despite being competitive, which is why they are likely to hold onto All-Star shortstop CJ Abrams, despite the Yankees checking on his availability.According to The Athletic's Spencer Nusbaum and Will Sammon, New York has "at least" checked in on Abrams to see if they can upgrade the shortstop position.But as the report states, the Nationals are not shopping Abrams, but will listen to offers. In fact, the Brewers, who are also looking to upgrade at shortstop, are expected to explore the possibility of trading for Abrams again soon.Abrams has already hit a career-high 24 home runs while batting .289 with an OPS of .907.The Yankees, of course, are looking to upgrade at catcher and in the bullpen, but could use the firepower at shortstop. The combination of Anthony Volpe and Jose Caballero has not provided the firepower the Yankees need without Aaron Judge in the lineup.July 23, 5:10 p.m.The Yankees are in the market for a catcher, but they will have competition.Will Sammon and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic report that the White Sox are looking for a backstop after losing Kyle Teel to injury. Chicago will join a thin catching market already inhabited by the Yankees, Rays and Dodgers.However, while the Yankees have been linked to Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers and a tad to Rockies catcher Hunter Goodman, another option could present itself.Sammon and Rosenthal point to the Reds' Tyler Stephenson as a potential alternative for the Bombers."The Cincinnati Reds Tyler Stephenson, one available catcher, might become an alternative for the Yankees, and other teams are pursuing the Minnesota Twins Ryan Jeffers," the report states.Stephenson is the same age as Jeffers, 29, and is also in the final year of his contract. While Jeffers is a better offensive option, Stephenson has been solid for Cincinnati. The catcher is slashing .244/.320/.393 with an OPS of .713 to go along with eight home runs and 27 RBI.July 17, 7:12 p.m.The Yankees are in need of a catcher at the trade deadline and while Ryan Jeffers of the Minnesota Twins seems like an obvious target, the Bombers have checked in with the Rockies about their backstop.According to ESPN's Jorge Castillo, the Yankees have called about catcher Hunter Goodman, although it was not recently.Goodman would provide that right-handed production from the catcher's spot that the Yankees have been missing all season. Goodman, 26, is batting .254 with 27 home runs and an .863 OPS in 90 games with the Rockies.As Castillo points out, it will likely take a lot for the Yankees to acquire Goodman, who has club control for another three years.