The New York Mets have signed infielder Christian Arroyo to a minor-league contract. Arroyo, who previously played with several Major League Baseball teams, brings significant experience and hopes for a career revival with the Mets.
Key Facts
The New York Mets have signed Christian Arroyo to a minor-league deal.
Arroyo spent the previous season in the minors with the Philadelphia Phillies.
He was originally a first-round draft pick and a top prospect for the San Francisco Giants.
Arroyo has played in Major League Baseball for the Giants, Rays, Indians, and Red Sox.
He has appeared in 295 major league games with a batting average of .252.
Arroyo has struggled with injuries in recent years.
At age 31, he hopes to revitalize his career with the Mets.
The Indiana Pacers are facing challenges as their player Bennedict Mathurin is out indefinitely with injuries to his thumb and toe. The team has the worst record in the NBA and is already dealing with other injured key players. Mathurin's potential and future with the team are uncertain as he approaches a new contract period.
Key Facts
Bennedict Mathurin is injured with a sprained thumb and turf toe and is out indefinitely.
The Indiana Pacers have the worst record in the NBA at 6-30.
Mathurin has missed over 12 games this season due to injuries.
Other injured players include Tyrese Haliburton, Aaron Nesmith, and T.J. McConnell.
The team is on a 12-game losing streak.
Mathurin averages 17.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game when healthy this season.
He is approaching restricted free agency and could earn around $25 million annually.
The Pacers need to decide on Mathurin's role and future due to his injuries and the team's performance.
Luke Ritter, an infielder who played in the New York Mets' minor league system, signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Angels. Ritter has experience playing multiple positions in the infield and also participated in an international tournament representing Team USA.
Key Facts
Luke Ritter played in the New York Mets' minor league for six years.
Ritter agreed to a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Angels.
He has played all infield positions and outfield corners with the Mets.
In 2024, Ritter played 134 games in Triple-A with a .257 batting average.
His stats in 2025 dropped to a .225 batting average with 11 home runs.
Ritter played for Team USA at the Premier12 tournament, mostly as a first baseman.
He values playing multiple positions as a key to staying in the lineup.
The Chicago Cubs are looking to add a new starting pitcher since Justin Steele will miss the start of the 2026 season due to surgery. They might pursue free agent Zac Gallen, even though he had a less successful season recently. The Cubs remain quiet in the offseason but are linked with several player rumors.
Key Facts
The Cubs need another starting pitcher because Justin Steele is recovering from elbow surgery.
Zac Gallen is a potential target for the Cubs despite his recent 4.83 ERA performance.
The Cubs have not made significant free agency moves so far this offseason.
There is buzz about the Cubs possibly pursuing third baseman Alex Bregman.
The Cubs previously showed interest in Tatsuya Imai, who signed with the Astros instead.
James Harden, a player for the Los Angeles Clippers, will miss a game against the Golden State Warriors due to shoulder soreness. This is only the third game Harden will miss this season. The Clippers currently have a 12-22 record and are looking to improve their standing.
Key Facts
The Los Angeles Clippers will play against the Golden State Warriors on Monday night.
James Harden will miss this game because of shoulder soreness.
Harden has played in 32 games this season, missing just two before this.
This season, Harden averages 25.7 points, 8.0 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game.
The Clippers currently have a 12-22 win-loss record.
The Warriors have a 19-17 record and also seek to improve their performance.
The game is scheduled to start at 10 PM ET on Monday.
The Denver Nuggets will play against the Philadelphia 76ers without any of their usual starting players due to injuries. This marks the first time this season that the team's starting lineup consists entirely of reserve players.
Key Facts
Denver Nuggets' Jamal Murray is out due to a left ankle sprain.
All five usual starters for the Nuggets will miss the game against the 76ers.
Nikola Jokic is also unable to play because of a hyperextended knee.
The team is managing player health carefully to prioritize long-term well-being.
Despite injuries, Murray is in the midst of a strong season, averaging high points, assists, and rebounds.
The Nuggets are currently on a seven-game road trip.
Murray is expected to return to play in a game against Boston on Wednesday.
The Toronto Blue Jays have signed two new pitchers, Cody Ponce and Dylan Cease, making it unlikely that they will keep pitcher Max Scherzer. Scherzer is predicted to join the Philadelphia Phillies, who are dealing with injuries and roster changes. Scherzer had a challenging regular season but performed well in the postseason.
Key Facts
The Toronto Blue Jays signed pitchers Cody Ponce and Dylan Cease.
This makes it less likely that pitcher Max Scherzer will return to the Blue Jays.
Scherzer is a former Cy Young Award winner and World Series champion.
Sports analysts predict Scherzer may join the Philadelphia Phillies.
The Phillies need pitching help because Zack Wheeler is injured.
Scherzer had a 5.19 ERA in the regular season but performed well in the postseason.
Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky won the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship. They defeated Asuka and Kairi Sane of the Kabuki Warriors at an event in the Barclays Center. This victory marks their first time winning together as a tag team.
Key Facts
Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky are the new WWE Women's Tag Team Champions.
They defeated Asuka and Kairi Sane from the Kabuki Warriors.
The victory took place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Ripley used her finishing move, Riptide, on Asuka.
Sky executed her move, Over the Moonsault, and a dive on Sane.
This win is Ripley and Sky's first tag team title together.
Ripley previously won the championship with Nikki Cross.
Iyo Sky has held the tag team title twice with Dakota Kai.
Bryce Underwood, the quarterback for the Michigan Wolverines, announced he will continue playing for the team next season. This decision follows the hiring of Kyle Whittingham as the new head coach. Underwood, who had a mixed performance as a freshman, will return for his sophomore year.
Key Facts
Bryce Underwood is the quarterback for the Michigan Wolverines football team.
Michigan's football season ended with a loss to Texas on New Year's Eve.
Underwood announced his decision to stay with Michigan for another season on social media.
Kyle Whittingham has been hired as the new head coach for the Wolverines.
Underwood had 16 touchdowns and nine interceptions during his freshman season.
The Wolverines finished the season with a 9–4 record.
Underwood was highly ranked as a high school player and received a significant name, image, and likeness (NIL) package to join Michigan.
Underwood had initially considered playing for LSU before committing to Michigan.
The New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays are making offseason moves involving players like Cody Bellinger and Bo Bichette. The Yankees have shown interest in both players but might prioritize Bellinger. The Blue Jays recently added Kazuma Okamoto, which could reduce their need for Bichette.
Key Facts
The New York Yankees have been less active than the Toronto Blue Jays this offseason.
Cody Bellinger is a top priority for the Yankees, and they have made him a new offer.
The Yankees have shown interest in Bo Bichette, but it's not a strong interest.
If the Yankees sign Bellinger, they likely won't pursue Bichette.
The Blue Jays are still interested in keeping Bichette but signed Kazuma Okamoto, possibly reducing their need for him.
Bichette's fielding could lead to him changing positions from shortstop to second or third base.
The addition of Okamoto affects the Blue Jays' financial ability to retain Bichette.
Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner transferred to Florida State. Following this, the Longhorns are likely to acquire Raleek Brown, a running back transferring from Arizona State.
Key Facts
Quintrevion Wisner transferred from Texas to Florida State.
Wisner previously led Texas with 597 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
Raleek Brown is considering transferring to Texas from Arizona State.
Brown ran for 1,141 yards and scored four rushing touchdowns in 2025 at Arizona State.
Brown also had 34 catches for 239 yards and two receiving touchdowns that same season.
Brown started his college career at USC, playing in 16 games over two seasons.
Russell Wilson, a quarterback for the New York Giants, revealed he played a game with a torn hamstring without informing anyone at the team. This has prompted discussions about whether the Giants might face a league investigation for their potential knowledge of the injury.
Key Facts
Russell Wilson is a quarterback for the New York Giants.
Wilson played with a torn hamstring in a game following a practice injury.
He did not inform the Giants coaching or medical staff about his injury.
Wilson received treatment at the Dallas Mavericks’ training facility.
There is concern about whether anyone at the Giants knew about his injury.
The NFL may investigate the situation, but significant punishment seems unlikely.
Wilson publicly stated he did not inform the Giants intentionally.
Manchester United released their manager, Ruben Amorim, after 14 months. Gary Neville, a former player, advises the club to hire a manager who fits the club's style and history. Darren Fletcher will temporarily manage the team until a new permanent manager is chosen in the summer.
Key Facts
Ruben Amorim was dismissed from his role as the manager of Manchester United after 14 months.
Darren Fletcher, a former player, is temporarily in charge until a caretaker manager steps in.
Gary Neville suggests that Manchester United should hire a manager who aligns with the club's traditions and playing style.
Neville emphasizes the need for the club to play exciting, aggressive football.
Amorim used a 3-4-3 formation, but the team struggled with this system.
Neville recommends the club wait until the summer to appoint a permanent manager to find better options.
The club aims to hire someone with experience and success in the Premier League.
Manchester United is considered an attractive position for any manager due to its global stature.
Alabama is looking to strengthen their football team after a significant loss by trying to recruit Hollywood Smothers, a top-ranked running back, from the transfer portal. Smothers transferred from Oklahoma to NC State for more playing time and performed well last year. The transfer portal, which allows players to change teams, will close on January 16, 2026.
Key Facts
Alabama Crimson Tide experienced a major loss against Indiana in the College Football Playoff this season.
Alabama has had several players leave through the transfer portal recently.
The team is in talks with Ty Simpson, their quarterback, about his options for the future.
Alabama struggled with their running game in 2025, which the coaches publicly acknowledged.
Hollywood Smothers, a top-ranked player, is being pursued by Alabama to improve their running back position.
Smothers initially played for Oklahoma before moving to NC State, where he gained 939 rushing yards and 189 receiving yards in 2025.
The transfer portal, which lets college athletes switch teams, closes on January 16, 2026.
Bill Belichick, coaching at the University of North Carolina, experienced a challenging first season with a below-average offense. The team quickly made moves to improve by recruiting a new quarterback while their current starting quarterback entered the transfer portal.
Key Facts
Bill Belichick is the coach for the North Carolina Tar Heels college football team.
The Tar Heels' offense struggled, ranking low in scoring nationwide.
The team recruited Billy Edwards Jr., a former quarterback from Maryland and Wisconsin.
Billy Edwards Jr. threw for 2,881 yards with 20 touchdowns in 2024.
Gio Lopez, the starting quarterback for North Carolina, has entered the transfer portal.
Lopez completed 65.1% of his passes this season, with 1,747 yards and 10 touchdowns.
North Carolina had its lowest scoring average in 20 years at 19.3 points per game.
Lane Kiffin is updating the LSU football team by bringing in new players through the transfer portal. One of the latest additions is Tre Brown, a wide receiver from Old Dominion, who has joined LSU for the upcoming 2026 season.
Key Facts
Lane Kiffin is using the transfer portal to add players to LSU's football team.
Tre Brown, a former wide receiver from Old Dominion, has joined LSU.
Brown played all 13 games for Old Dominion in 2025, catching 38 passes for 762 yards and four touchdowns.
Brown was known for his explosive plays, averaging 20.1 yards per catch, a lead in the Sun Belt Conference.
Brown has two seasons of college eligibility left.
LSU recently also added Jackson Harris from Hawaii and Malachi Thomas from Pitt.
The team is still looking for a quarterback to join these new receivers.
Cincinnati quarterback Brendan Sorsby, a potential target for LSU, chose to join Texas Tech.
Alex Vesia, a player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, and his wife, Kayla, have shared the sad news of their newborn baby's death. Kayla has expressed gratitude for the support they've received and plans to share her experience to help others in similar situations.
Key Facts
Alex Vesia, a Dodgers player, missed most of the postseason due to a personal issue.
Alex and Kayla Vesia's newborn passed away in October.
Kayla shared their story on social media to seek support and offer help to others.
Kayla mentioned she wants to share her journey to help others feeling the same loss.
Alex Vesia has secured a contract extension with the Dodgers for the 2026 season.
Kayla finds comfort in resuming workouts as a way to honor their daughter.
Martin O'Neill is returning to manage Celtic for the rest of the season after the team parted ways with their previous manager, Wilfried Nancy. O'Neill, who had a successful earlier period with Celtic, will work to improve the team's performance, aiming to close the gap with league leaders Hearts.
Key Facts
Martin O'Neill has been reappointed as Celtic's manager for the remainder of the season.
He previously stepped in as interim manager and won seven out of eight matches.
Wilfried Nancy, who replaced O'Neill, was dismissed after two wins in eight games.
Celtic is currently second in the Scottish Premiership, six points behind Hearts.
O'Neill will have Shaun Maloney, Mark Fotheringham, and Stephen McManus as his coaching assistants.
Celtic lost the League Cup final against St Mirren under Nancy.
The club has been champions in 13 of the past 14 seasons.
O'Neill aims to regain winning form and hopes for full support from fans and players.
Mohamed Salah scored the final goal in extra time to secure Egypt's 3-1 victory over Benin in the Africa Cup of Nations hosted by Morocco. Egypt will advance to the quarterfinals and play against either Burkina Faso or Ivory Coast. Benin managed to reach this stage after a win against Botswana in the group phase.
Key Facts
Mohamed Salah scored in extra time to help Egypt win 3-1 against Benin.
The match was held at Stade d’Agadir in Morocco.
Egypt will play Burkina Faso or Ivory Coast in the quarterfinals.
Marwan Attia scored Egypt's first goal, and Yasser Ibrahim scored in extra time.
Benin's Jodel Dossou equalized the match in the 83rd minute.
Egypt has played all of its matches in Agadir, Morocco.
Egypt aims for its eighth Africa Cup of Nations title.
Benin reached the last 16 after beating Botswana in the group stage.
The 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship will end with the gold medal game between Sweden and Czechia. The match takes place in St. Paul, Minnesota, at Grand Casino Arena. Viewers can watch the game on Monday, January 5, 2025, at 8:30 PM ET on the NHL Network or stream it on Fubo.
Key Facts
The game is the final of the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship.
It features teams from Sweden and Czechia.
The match will happen at Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Sweden won all its group stage games and beat Latvia and Finland to reach the final.
Czechia finished second in its group, defeating Switzerland and Canada to advance.
Sweden is aiming for its first title since 2012.
Czechia wants its first World Juniors title since 2001.
The game is broadcasted on the NHL Network and can be streamed on Fubo with a free trial.
