News from the sports world: Eugenio Suárez returns to the Cincinnati Reds, the Seattle Seahawks are putting on a drone show for fans ahead of the Super Bowl, and Clint Kubiak may become head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders.
Former Seattle Mariner Eugenio Suárez returns to the Cincinnati Reds
A notable return has taken place in baseball: veteran infielder Eugenio Suárez, who recently departed the Seattle Mariners, has signed with the Cincinnati Reds, the team where he spent a large portion of his career. According to an ESPN report by Jeff Passan, the deal is for one year at $15 million and includes a mutual option for the 2027 season. The move reunites Suárez with the club where he spent seven of his 12 Major League Baseball (MLB) seasons, from 2015 through 2021.
Interestingly, in his new-old team Suárez is likely to serve as the designated hitter, meaning he will be focused primarily on offense rather than playing third base defensively. This is a strategic move by the Reds to utilize his powerful bat, likely accounting for his age and experience. For the uninitiated: the designated hitter is a position in MLB (more common in the American League) where a player bats in place of the pitcher, allowing a strong offensive player to remain in the lineup without playing defense.
Suárez’s return to Cincinnati brings nostalgia for fans who remember his productive years in a Reds uniform, when he repeatedly showcased impressive power. While details of his exact role may be refined, it’s clear the Reds are betting on his experience and consistency. For the Seattle Mariners, this marks a definitive parting with a player who was part of the club in recent seasons and raises questions about how the team plans to bolster its offense ahead of the new season. The transfer underscores the dynamic nature of the baseball offseason, where veterans often find new opportunities and teams aim to balance youth and experience.
Seahawks drone show: how Seattle is celebrating the team’s run to the Super Bowl
Ahead of Super Bowl 2026, which will be held in Santa Clara, the Seattle Seahawks are staging a unique celebratory event for their devoted fans—known as the “12th Man” or “12s”—right in the heart of the city. On Friday night at Seattle Center there will be a free drone show to mark the team’s successful playoff run. The spectacle, presented with support from Snoqualmie Casino and Hotel, promises to be a highlight in the lineup of pregame festivities.
The idea for the show came literally in the final minutes of the Seahawks’ NFC championship win over the Los Angeles Rams. As Seattle Center spokeswoman Jamie Stocker told The Seattle Times, the club approached event organizers with the proposal: “If we win — we want to put on a drone show.” Thus, most of the preparation was done urgently immediately after the team’s triumph. To execute the concept, the Seahawks partnered with The Workshop, a local company that has experience staging similar events at the same venue, including New Year’s shows and a drone show for the 2023 MLB All-Star Game.
The show is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. and will last about 10 minutes. Drones will launch from the Mural Amphitheatre and maneuver at heights between 60 and 120 meters (200–400 feet) in the airspace near the iconic Space Needle, facing northwest. Organizers recommend fans get the best view by taking spots on the lawn by the International Fountain. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to get comfortable seating. For those who want a bite to eat, the Seattle Center Armory building will be open until 8:00 p.m. Note that the show is weather-dependent, and final updates should be sought on the club’s social media. For those unable to attend in person, the show will be streamed on the Seahawks’ social channels and on KING 5.
This event is more than just entertainment. It symbolizes the deep bond between the team and the city’s residents. The “12th Man” concept is a core philosophy of the club, treating fans as an integral part of the team and an extra force on the field. Putting on a public, free and spectacular celebration is the Seahawks’ way of thanking their devoted supporters who backed the team throughout the season. Although the Super Bowl itself will take place in California, Seattle is already starting its celebrations, reinforcing community spirit and gearing up for the biggest game of the year. Such quickly organized initiatives also show the agility and cohesion not only of the sports organization but of the city’s event community, capable of rapidly pulling off a large-scale event for thousands.
Clint Kubiak could become head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders
A significant personnel move appears to be brewing in the world of American football. According to recent reports from major sports outlets, Clint Kubiak, the Seattle Seahawks’ current offensive coordinator, is close to becoming the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders. This development, reported by ESPN and NFL Network, adds intrigue ahead of the Super Bowl, where the Seahawks will play this coming Sunday.
By NFL rules, clubs cannot officially finalize deals with assistants from teams participating in the Super Bowl until the game concludes. So despite mutual interest, as ESPN insider Adam Schefter notes, a formal agreement between Kubiak and the Raiders will be signed only after the championship game. Still, NFL Network reporter Tom Pelissero says the club has already “zeroed in” on Kubiak, and all signs point to his move to Las Vegas. For the 38-year-old coach this would be a major career step. Notably, he would be replacing the legendary Pete Carroll, who once led the Seahawks but was fired by the Raiders after a disappointing 3–14 season.
Kubiak has been one of the most sought-after candidates in this coaching cycle. Over the past month he has conducted virtual interviews with six teams and on Saturday met for the second round of talks with the Raiders and the Arizona Cardinals. His results in Seattle speak for themselves. Under his guidance, the Seahawks’ offense ranked third in the league in points per game during the regular season (28.4). Even excluding seven touchdowns scored by special teams and defense, the average of 25.5 points would still rank 11th in the NFL. The team also showed efficiency: 11th in points per possession (2.32), sixth in yards per play (5.9) and second in yards per pass attempt (8.4). Particularly impressive was the improvement of the offensive line, which allowed only 27 sacks—the third-best mark in franchise history. The running game also gained momentum by the end of the season, reflecting increased offensive production.
The high point of Kubiak’s work was the NFC championship game against the Los Angeles Rams, where his game plan helped quarterback Sam Darnold and the Seahawks secure a 31–27 victory and advance to the Super Bowl. His ability to adapt the scheme to the team’s strengths has been highly praised by analysts. If the move happens, it will present a major challenge for Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald, who would need to find his third offensive coordinator in three years. The previous coordinator, Ryan Grubb, was dismissed after an uneven season, and Kubiak was hired in his place only in January 2025. His potential departure also raises questions about the future of other key offensive assistants, such as offensive line coach John Benton, which could affect continuity and player development.
Thus, a potential move of Clint Kubiak to the Las Vegas Raiders is not just a job change but an event that could affect the league’s balance of power. For the Raiders, it’s a chance to begin a new era with a young, promising coach who has proven his effectiveness. For the Seahawks, it’s a test of resilience that will show whether the team can maintain its high level of offensive play after losing the architect of its success. All answers will come very soon, immediately after the final Super Bowl whistle.
