The New York Mets are likely to sign a new pitcher to strengthen their team. Reports suggest they might add either Framber Valdez or Ranger Suárez, with predictions leaning towards Suárez joining. Suárez has a history of consistent performance and was an All-Star in 2024.
Key Facts
The Mets' starting rotation had a 4.13 ERA last season, ranking 18th in the league.
The team is looking to improve by signing a new pitcher.
ESPN reported it's "inevitable" the Mets will sign Framber Valdez or Ranger Suárez.
Sports Illustrated predicts the Mets will sign Ranger Suárez.
Suárez is known for being a consistent and crafty pitcher.
He was an All-Star in 2024 and had a strong performance that year.
Suárez is considered one of the best available pitchers in the market.
Signing Suárez could strengthen the Mets' chances in the playoffs.
Trey Yesavage, a 22-year-old rookie pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays, set records during the postseason with his strong performances. He is a top candidate for the American League Rookie of the Year award after impressing in key games during the playoffs.
Key Facts
Trey Yesavage is a rookie pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays.
He became notable during the World Series after appearing in only three regular-season games.
Yesavage set records with 12 strikeouts in a single World Series game and 39 strikeouts throughout the entire postseason.
The Blue Jays won four out of his five starts during the postseason.
MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo predicts Yesavage as a frontrunner for the American League Rookie of the Year award.
Yesavage started the 2025 season in Single-A and ended with significant appearances in the World Series.
Yesavage's postseason ERA was 3.58 across six appearances.
The New York Yankees are trying to sign baseball player Cody Bellinger by offering him a five-year deal. Negotiations are ongoing, and there may be challenges in reaching an agreement. The Yankees need to secure a strong offensive player, and options are limited.
Key Facts
The Yankees have made a second offer to Cody Bellinger and his agent, Scott Boras.
The offer is reportedly for five years, but the amount of money involved is not known.
As of Tuesday evening, the deal with Bellinger has not been finalized.
MLB insider Ken Rosenthal suggested there may be more developments in the talks.
The Yankees are in need of a good offensive player, and choices are limited in free agency.
Other available players don't fit the Yankees' needs as well as Bellinger does.
Bellinger's agent, Scott Boras, is known for negotiating high-value deals for his clients.
The Toronto Blue Jays signed Kazuma Okamoto for $60 million over four years, which makes it less likely they will keep Bo Bichette. The team is focusing on signing Kyle Tucker, another top player, as Bichette might not fit into their future plans.
Key Facts
The Blue Jays signed Kazuma Okamoto on a four-year, $60 million deal.
Bo Bichette is one of the best hitters in baseball and a product of the Blue Jays' farm system.
The team's focus on signing Kyle Tucker is increasing after the Okamoto deal.
Kyle Tucker has hit 134 home runs since 2021 and is a top free agent.
The Blue Jays' investment in Okamoto makes it less likely they will give Bichette a big deal.
Okamoto can play third base, potentially shifting the team's infield lineup.
Bichette might still return to Toronto on a short-term deal, but other teams are interested in offering him longer contracts.
Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette might leave the team after seven years. It is reported that teams like the Chicago Cubs, Phillies, and Yankees are interested in signing him. Bichette's potential move is linked to the Blue Jays acquiring another player, making Bichette's return less likely.
Key Facts
Bo Bichette has played for the Toronto Blue Jays for seven years.
The Blue Jays may not bring back Bichette due to acquiring a new third baseman.
Bichette is expected to switch to playing second base for his next team.
The Chicago Cubs, Phillies, and Yankees are reportedly interested in Bichette.
Bichette is known for his strong hitting skills.
Sports Illustrated predicts Bichette might join the Chicago Cubs.
Bichette's move could result in a higher salary as he is under 30 and considered a dynamic hitter.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are considering signing four-time All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker during the baseball offseason. Tucker recently played for the Chicago Cubs and may be available for a short-term contract. The Dodgers aim to strengthen their team by potentially adding Tucker to their lineup.
Key Facts
The Los Angeles Dodgers are looking to sign four-time All-Star Kyle Tucker.
Kyle Tucker previously played for the Chicago Cubs.
The Dodgers recently signed Edwin Díaz, a top pitcher, to a record-setting contract.
The Dodgers have a gap in their outfield and are looking to fill it.
Sports Illustrated predicts that Tucker might sign with the Dodgers on a shorter contract with player options.
Teoscar Hernández played right field for the Dodgers this year with mixed results.
Adding Tucker could improve the Dodgers' lineup and defense.
The Philadelphia Phillies have signed Tucker Davidson to a minor league deal. Davidson has experience in Major League Baseball and recently played in Korea. He won a World Series with the Atlanta Braves in 2021.
Key Facts
The Philadelphia Phillies are aiming for a World Series appearance next season.
Tucker Davidson, a pitcher, has been signed by the Phillies on a minor league deal.
Davidson's previous MLB experience includes playing for teams like the Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Angels, and Kansas City Royals.
He was part of the Braves' 2021 World Series-winning team.
Davidson has appeared in 56 MLB games with a 5.76 earned run average (ERA).
In 2022, he had a good season in Korea with a 3.65 ERA and 119 strikeouts.
He is not guaranteed a spot in the Phillies' main lineup but is considered a low-risk signing.
The Baltimore Orioles have signed a 26-year-old pitcher named Eric Torres to a minor-league contract. Torres, known for his ability to strike out many batters but who also gives up a lot of walks, previously played in the Los Angeles Angels' minor league system and recently competed in independent ball and the Puerto Rican Winter League.
Key Facts
Eric Torres, a left-handed pitcher, signed with the Baltimore Orioles on a minor-league contract.
Torres had earlier been part of the Los Angeles Angels organization for nearly four years.
He struck out 103 batters in 63 innings during the current season, playing in independent and Puerto Rican leagues.
In his minor league career with the Angels, he struck out 224 batters in 149 1/3 innings.
Torres allowed 114 walks with a 4.46 ERA while limiting opponents to a .201 batting average.
He aims to become the 17th player from Kansas State University to play in Major League Baseball.
The Orioles are not required to promote Torres to the major leagues right away but could consider it if he performs well in spring training.
Head coach Brendon McCullum and director of cricket Rob Key will remain in their roles for England's cricket team, despite a recent series loss in the Ashes against Australia. They are expected to make improvements, with their focus on changing team culture and preparation. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) supports this decision and does not plan major changes.
Key Facts
Brendon McCullum became head coach of England's cricket team in 2022.
Rob Key is the director of cricket for England.
England lost the Ashes series in Australia, sparking criticism of McCullum and Key.
McCullum and Test captain Ben Stokes want to continue in their roles until at least 2027.
The ECB is supporting McCullum and Key despite calls for changes.
Critics have pointed to the team's preparation and culture as areas needing improvement.
England will next play a Test series against New Zealand in June.
Changes in coaching staff and preparation methods are being considered.
This year's NFL play-offs are unique because well-known teams and players are not participating as expected. New England and Chicago have improved significantly and are now top contenders. Fourteen teams are competing, and plenty of young quarterbacks have the opportunity to make a name for themselves.
Key Facts
Kansas City Chiefs, recent regular participants, are not in this year's play-offs.
Philadelphia Eagles, last season's champions, are not as strong as before.
14 teams are in the play-offs, with 11 of them achieving at least 11 wins this season.
Five teams made the play-offs despite losing at least 11 games the previous year.
Top-seeded Denver and Seattle have a bye in the first round, called Wildcard Weekend.
The Super Bowl will take place at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara.
Famous quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes and Joe Burrow will not play in these play-offs.
Denver's Bo Nix and New England's Drake Maye are emerging as new potential stars.
Jacob Bethell scored his first century in a cricket match, which is called a "maiden first-class century." Despite this achievement, the England cricket team is likely to lose the fifth Test match against Australia.
Key Facts
Jacob Bethell scored his first century in a top-level cricket match.
This was part of the Ashes series, a famous cricket competition between England and Australia.
The achievement by Bethell is a positive point, but England is still facing likely defeat.
The event took place during the fifth Test match of the series.
The match is part of a series of games played to determine the winner of the Ashes.
The Baltimore Ravens have fired John Harbaugh after 18 years as their head coach because the team did not make the NFL play-offs. Harbaugh helped lead the team to a Super Bowl victory in 2013 but faced challenges in recent seasons. The Ravens lost a crucial game to the Pittsburgh Steelers, ending their play-off chances.
Key Facts
John Harbaugh was the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens for 18 years.
Harbaugh led the Ravens to a Super Bowl victory in 2013.
The Ravens did not make the NFL play-offs this season, finishing with an 8-9 record.
Harbaugh is the fourth NFL head coach dismissed since the end of the regular season.
The Ravens lost a critical game 26-24 to the Pittsburgh Steelers, which prevented them from making the play-offs.
During Harbaugh's time, the Ravens made the play-offs 12 times in 18 years.
Harbaugh is the longest-serving head coach in Ravens' history, as the franchise began in 1996.
The decision to let Harbaugh go was described as difficult by Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti.
CM Punk participated in the main event of WWE "Raw" where he defended his World Heavyweight Championship against Bron Breakker and won the match. Despite a fall outside the ring during the event, reports confirm that CM Punk is not undergoing concussion protocol. Punk also participated in media activities in New York City following his victory.
Key Facts
CM Punk defended his World Heavyweight Championship on WWE "Raw."
He competed against Bron Breakker in the event.
Punk won the match despite having a fall outside the ring.
Rumors about Punk being in concussion protocol have been denied.
Punk's immediate post-match plans are not specified.
After the match, Punk appeared on the FOX show "Good Day New York."
The WWE event took place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
George Skivington, head coach of Gloucester Rugby, is going through a challenging time as the team has lost eight of nine matches this season. The club is considering hiring a new figure to help reduce his responsibilities. Skivington highlights the team's struggles with injuries and admits the recruitment process last summer left gaps in experience.
Key Facts
George Skivington is the head coach of Gloucester Rugby.
Gloucester has lost eight of its nine Premiership matches this season.
The team narrowly missed the playoffs last season by two points.
Gloucester plans to appoint someone to assist Skivington, allowing him to focus on coaching.
Several key players, including Tomos Williams, are injured, affecting team performance.
Chief executive Alex Brown acknowledged gaps in player experience due to recruitment issues.
Gloucester has signed Dan Robson, Jac Morgan, and Dewi Lake for upcoming seasons.
The team will play against Edinburgh, Toulon, and Bath in their next matches.
Francesca Jones, a British tennis player ranked 72 in the world, reached the Auckland Classic quarter-finals despite dealing with an injury. She won a tough match against Austrian player Sinja Kraus after initially struggling. Jones also discussed the challenges she faced due to the weather and her genetic condition.
Key Facts
Francesca Jones won against world number 15 Emma Navarro at the Auckland Classic.
She played against Sinja Kraus, overcoming a one-set deficit after calling for a physiotherapist twice.
Jones won 1-6, 6-4, 6-1 in the match against Kraus.
Jones was born with Ectrodactyly Ectodermal Dysplasia (EEC), affecting her fingers and toes.
She struggled with hot weather conditions in Auckland but managed to save nine out of 13 break points.
Francesca Jones is currently ranked 72 in the world.
She will face Chinese player Wang Xinyu in the next round.
The article also mentions Iga Swiatek's performance in the United Cup, where she helped Poland reach the quarter-finals.
England's Jacob Bethell scored his first century in cricket's Ashes series, giving England a small advantage against Australia, although they are still likely to lose the match. Bethell, aged 22, impressed by scoring 142 runs while England finished the day at 302-8, leading by 119 runs. Despite the effort, England will need strong performances to avoid defeat.
Key Facts
Jacob Bethell scored his maiden century with 142 runs against Australia.
England ended day four at 302-8 in their second innings, leading by 119 runs.
Australia scored 567 runs in their first innings, with Travis Head making 163 and Steve Smith 138.
England took three late wickets against Australia, including Steve Smith for 138.
Captain Ben Stokes left the field with a right groin injury.
Bethell partnered with Ben Duckett and Harry Brook for stands of 81 and 134 runs, respectively.
England lost five wickets for 78 runs late on the fourth day.
Bethell is being considered a key player for England's future cricket matches.
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 is nearing its end in Morocco, with eight teams advancing to the quarterfinals. The matches will take place on January 9 and 10, featuring top teams like Senegal, Morocco, and Nigeria. Morocco's Brahim Diaz leads the goal-scoring charts with four goals.
Key Facts
The AFCON 2025 quarterfinals feature eight teams: Senegal, Mali, Morocco, Cameroon, Egypt, Nigeria, Algeria, and Ivory Coast.
Matches are scheduled for January 9 and 10 in various stadiums in Morocco.
Ivory Coast and Morocco started as favorites, with Nigeria and Algeria now considered strong contenders.
Morocco's Brahim Diaz is the top scorer with four goals.
Al Jazeera Sport and regional broadcasters will cover the quarterfinal matches.
Jacob Bethell scored his first Test century during the fifth Ashes Test, becoming one of the youngest players to achieve this for England. Bethell's performance is seen as a promising sign for England's cricket future. His mature batting style and past experiences have prepared him for this achievement.
Key Facts
Jacob Bethell scored his first Test century in the fifth Ashes Test.
He is the seventh youngest player to score a Test hundred for England.
Bethell previously came close to a century against New Zealand in November 2024.
England made Bethell their youngest captain during a white-ball tour of Ireland.
Bethell moved from Barbados to the UK at age 12 for a cricket scholarship.
He scored his first first-class hundred in a Test match against South Africa.
Bethell's batting style is described as mature, combining classic techniques with modern flair.
David Batty, a retired footballer who played for England and clubs like Leeds United and Newcastle United, has kept a low profile since retiring in 2004. Despite attempts by former teammates to reach him, Batty remains out of touch, having chosen to focus on his family life instead of staying in the football industry.
Key Facts
David Batty played football for England and clubs like Leeds United and Newcastle United.
He retired from football in 2004 and has stayed out of the public eye since then.
Batty is not involved in football anymore and does not attend reunions or events.
Former teammates tried to contact him, but they haven't succeeded.
Despite rumors, Batty has not pursued a career as a superbike champion or butcher.
After retiring, Batty chose to focus on his family life in Yorkshire.
Batty briefly appeared in public to honor a friend who passed away in 2011.
He is remembered by teammates for his toughness on the field and supportive nature.
Darren Fletcher is serving as interim manager for Manchester United's game against Burnley following the departure of Ruben Amorim. Fletcher, who has been with Manchester United since his youth, is noted for his leadership and extensive experience both on and off the pitch. He has previously been captain at West Brom and is now a coach for Manchester United's under-18 team.
Key Facts
Darren Fletcher is the interim manager for Manchester United in their game against Burnley.
He has been a part of Manchester United since he was a teenager, making his first-team debut in 2003.
Fletcher played 342 games for Manchester United during his career as a player.
Fletcher was signed by West Brom in 2015 and became their captain.
Known for his leadership, he started 86 consecutive league games while at West Brom, setting a record at that time.
Fletcher's contribution is praised by former colleagues, including Tony Pulis, who regarded him as one of the best signings.
Fletcher has been the technical director of Manchester United between 2021 and 2024 and is currently coaching the under-18 team.
He is seen as a potential candidate for a permanent managerial role at Manchester United.
