A recent trade involving pitcher Shane Baz has set a high bar for acquiring top pitchers in Major League Baseball. Yankees expert Adam Weinrib suggests the New York Yankees consider trading for Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Freddy Peralta to boost their pitching lineup. Peralta, a strong performer, might be available due to his contract situation.
Key Facts
Shane Baz was traded from the Tampa Bay Rays to the Baltimore Orioles.
The trade set a high market price for starting pitchers.
The Yankees are considering acquiring pitcher Freddy Peralta from the Milwaukee Brewers.
Peralta had a strong record in 2025, becoming a significant player for the Brewers.
Weinrib suggests the Yankees offer Luis Gil and a prospect, Dillon Lewis, for Peralta.
Peralta is entering the last season of his contract, which makes him a potential "rental" player.
The suggested trade aims to strengthen the Yankees' injury-hit pitching rotation.
Nick Saban, a well-known former college football coach, predicted that Ohio State will beat Miami in their upcoming College Football Playoffs quarterfinal game. Saban believes Miami needs to improve its offense to compete with Ohio State's strong team.
Key Facts
The College Football Playoffs quarterfinal game is between No. 2 seed Ohio State and No. 10 seed Miami.
Nick Saban has won seven claimed national titles and is known for his accurate game predictions.
Saban appeared on "The Pat McAfee Show" and shared his views about the Ohio State vs. Miami matchup.
Saban thinks Miami has to improve offensively and create more explosive plays to win.
Ohio State's quarterback, Julian Sayin, is highlighted by Saban as a strong player.
Ohio State has a top defense and is filled with potential future NFL players.
The game is set to take place on December 31 at the Cotton Bowl.
Tennessee Volunteers will play against the Illinois Fighting Illini in the Music City Bowl on December 30, 2025. This is their first meeting, and the game will take place at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, starting at 5:30 PM ET and televised on ESPN.
Key Facts
Tennessee is playing against Illinois in the Music City Bowl.
The game is on December 30, 2025, at 5:30 PM ET.
The location of the game is Nissan Stadium in Nashville.
The game will be broadcast on ESPN and ESPN Deportes.
Tennessee's interim defensive coordinator is William Inge.
Key Tennessee players opting out include Chris Brazzell II and Joshua Josephs.
Illinois players not playing include Gabe Jacas and JC Davis.
This is the first-ever meeting between the two teams.
ESPN BET has rebranded to theScore Bet following the end of a partnership with PENN Entertainment. The platform offers a promotion where users can receive a $100 bonus when they win a $10 bet using a special promo code. The platform features profit boosts for various sports, including NBA, college basketball, and college football.
Key Facts
ESPN BET is now called theScore Bet after a rebranding on December 1st.
Users can get a $100 bonus by winning an initial $10 bet using the promo code NEWSWEEK.
The minimum odds for the bet are -500.
The offer includes promotions for NBA and college basketball games.
There are additional odds boosts, such as a boosted bet on NBA players combining for a certain number of points.
Users can find profit boosts for college basketball parlays and other sports events.
The platform includes features like a personalized "For You" page and a "Parlay Lounge."
The promotion is available to users aged 21 and over in eligible states.
The article discusses a special promotion available for new players signing up with the sports betting platform Betr using the promo code NEWSWEEK. The promotion offers bonuses for those making their first deposit, with a maximum bonus potential of $210. This offer is particularly relevant for fans of college football and the NBA, as these sports are highlighted for betting opportunities.
Key Facts
The promotion is available for first-time players who use the promo code NEWSWEEK.
New users get a $10 bonus upon creating an account.
A 50% bonus match is offered on cash deposits, up to a maximum of $200.
The total potential bonus for new players is $210.
The promotion highlights betting opportunities on college football bowl games and the NBA.
A specific focus is placed on upcoming NBA matchups and star players.
The article mentions that Newsweek may earn an affiliate commission if users sign up through their links.
Bo Bichette, a talented shortstop, is currently a free agent. There's speculation that he might leave the Toronto Blue Jays and sign with another team, possibly the Detroit Tigers. This potential move depends on other player signings involving Kyle Tucker and Alex Bregman.
Key Facts
The Toronto Blue Jays nearly won the World Series, falling short in Game 7 against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Blue Jays signed pitcher Dylan Cease in a big offseason deal.
Bo Bichette is currently a free agent and not yet signed with any team.
CBS Sports' RJ Anderson predicts Bichette might leave the Blue Jays for the Detroit Tigers.
This prediction depends on whether the Blue Jays sign Kyle Tucker.
The Tigers need a shortstop and have been involved in trying to sign star infielders.
If Bichette joins the Tigers, it could address their need for a solid shortstop.
Bichette's move is uncertain and depends on the decisions of other players like Tucker and Bregman.
The Texas Longhorns are set to play against the Michigan Wolverines in the Citrus Bowl on December 31st. Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian expressed disappointment that his team did not make it to the College Football Playoff but is eager to see how many people watch the game. The game features two teams with large fan bases, which could lead to high viewership numbers.
Key Facts
The Texas Longhorns will play against the Michigan Wolverines in the Citrus Bowl.
Texas aimed to play in the College Football Playoff but did not qualify.
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian hopes the game will have a large number of viewers.
The Citrus Bowl game is scheduled for December 31, right before the College Football Playoff.
Texas quarterback Arch Manning has committed to stay with the team.
Michigan's interim head coach for the game is Francis "Biff" Poggi.
Michigan's former coach Sherrone Moore was removed, and Kyle Whittingham will take over later.
Bet365 is offering new users bonus opportunities when they place bets on sports like NBA and college football. Users can use the bonus code WEEK365 to claim bonuses starting from $150. Special offers vary depending on the user's location.
Key Facts
Bet365 offers a $150 bonus for new users who place a $5 bet.
In Missouri, a $10 bet can lead to a $365 bonus.
Select states offer a $1,000 safety net bet, where users can recover up to $1,000 in bonuses if their initial bet loses.
The relevant states for the safety net offer include AZ, CO, IA, IN, KY, LA, MD, NC, OH, and VA.
Users must create a new account and make a minimum of $10 deposit to access promotions.
Bet365 provides additional 'bet boosts' for NBA and college football games on Tuesdays.
Bonuses apply regardless of the outcome of the user's first wager.
The Philadelphia Phillies are considering re-signing J.T. Realmuto, a 34-year-old catcher who is a free agent. Despite a decline in his performance, Realmuto is still considered one of the best in his position. Sports analyst R.J. Anderson predicts that he will return to the Phillies.
Key Facts
J.T. Realmuto is a 34-year-old free agent catcher.
Realmuto has been with the Philadelphia Phillies for the past seven seasons.
He is a three-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove winner.
His performance dipped last season, with a batting average of .257 and 12 home runs.
There is little reported interest in Realmuto from other teams.
Sports analyst R.J. Anderson predicts Realmuto will return to the Phillies.
The Phillies have made the playoffs in each of the last four seasons.
Re-signing Realmuto could help the Phillies continue their playoff success while planning for a future catcher.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are awaiting the clearance of T.J. Watt, who is recovering from surgery, for their crucial game against the Baltimore Ravens. Watt's participation could influence the outcome of the game, which will determine a playoff spot and title in their division.
Key Facts
The Pittsburgh Steelers need to win against the Baltimore Ravens to secure a playoff spot and the AFC North title.
T.J. Watt suffered a partially collapsed lung after dry-needling treatment and had surgery on December 11.
Watt has missed the past three Steelers games but returned to limited practice recently.
Head coach Mike Tomlin is more hopeful about Watt playing this week.
Watt needs to fully participate in practice and pass medical checks before he can play.
Through 13 games this season, Watt has 53 tackles, 7 sacks, and several other key defensive plays.
A win for either the Steelers or Ravens in the upcoming game will determine who advances to the playoffs.
Wrestling star Chad Gable is expected to return to WWE after being out with a shoulder injury since summer 2025. He has been training and might reappear on TV by the Royal Rumble event in January, or possibly sooner.
Key Facts
Chad Gable, a WWE wrestler, has been out due to a shoulder injury since summer 2025.
He underwent surgery to fix the shoulder issue.
Gable has been training at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida.
His return is expected around the Royal Rumble event in January.
During his absence, another wrestler, Ludwig Kaiser, took over Gable's "El Grande Americano" character.
This character change kept the storyline active, setting up a future rivalry.
Gable's comeback is anticipated during the "Netflix Raw" era, starting January 5.
A fan group has raised concerns that England supporters have not used their full ticket allocation for the World Cup 2026 semi-final and final. Ticket prices have been criticized as too high, leading some fans to feel excluded. Fifa has offered some cheaper tickets, but many fans still feel priced out.
Key Facts
The 2026 World Cup will have 48 teams and take place in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
England fans have not used all their allocated tickets for the semi-final and final games.
Most tickets for the final available to England fans cost £3,094.
A limited number of cheaper tickets are available at £45.
Fifa's ticket prices have faced criticism, especially compared to the 2022 World Cup.
Fifa President Gianni Infantino says there is very high demand with 150 million ticket requests received.
The Football Supporters' Association says some loyal fans are priced out.
South Florida quarterback Byrum Brown intends to transfer to a different college football program. Brown, who has gained over 10,000 yards, is expected by many to join a Southeastern Conference (SEC) team, possibly the Florida Gators. The transfer portal opens on January 2, 2026.
Key Facts
Byrum Brown is a quarterback from South Florida.
He has gained more than 10,000 yards across different playing methods (passing, running).
Brown plans to transfer to a different college football program.
The transfer portal, where players can change teams, will open on January 2, 2026.
Many expect Brown to join a Southeastern Conference (SEC) team.
There is speculation about whether he will join Auburn or the Florida Gators.
Brown’s move is part of a large transfer period in college football starting after the Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day.
The Boston Red Sox have a strong group of young players, including 18-year-old outfielder Justin Gonzales. Gonzales performed well in the minor leagues last season and shows potential to be a future star, though he is still developing his skills.
Key Facts
The Boston Red Sox have a strong minor league system despite trading some players and promoting others to the major leagues.
Justin Gonzales, an 18-year-old prospect, is gaining attention for his potential.
Gonzales performed well in the Dominican Summer League and U.S. minor leagues in 2025.
In 81 games at Single-A, Gonzales had a batting average of .298 and hit 29 extra-base hits.
He is known for his size and potential to hit home runs and steal bases.
Gonzales is considered a "raw" talent, meaning he is still developing his skills.
If Gonzales improves next season, he could move up quickly in the minor leagues.
Alabama football player Ryan Williams, a sophomore wide receiver, stated he plans to stay with the Alabama Crimson Tide and not enter the transfer portal. This news comes ahead of Alabama's game against Indiana, where Williams is expected to play a key role.
Key Facts
Ryan Williams is a sophomore wide receiver for the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Williams stated he has no plans to enter the transfer portal, confirming his commitment to Alabama.
He had 43 catches for 636 yards and four touchdowns in the 2025 season.
Williams' return is significant for the Alabama offense, especially with other wide receivers leaving.
Alabama faces the Indiana Hoosiers in the Rose Bowl on New Year's Day.
The game will be broadcast on ESPN at 4:00 p.m. ET.
The New York Yankees are deciding whether to sign Cody Bellinger or Kyle Tucker as Cody Bellinger becomes a free agent. Bellinger might cost $168 million but is seen as a good fit for the team. The Yankees need to sign one of these players to strengthen their lineup.
Key Facts
The Yankees were one of the top teams in the American League but did not make it to the World Series.
Cody Bellinger is a free agent after playing for the Yankees.
Kyle Tucker is another free agent linked with the Yankees as an option.
Cody Bellinger is expected to sign for $168 million, according to a prediction.
Bellinger is considered a good fit for Yankee Stadium and popular with fans.
Bellinger might be less expensive than Kyle Tucker, allowing room for other signings.
Reports suggest the Yankees see Tucker as a backup plan if they can't keep Bellinger.
The Los Angeles Dodgers lost pitcher Kirby Yates to the Los Angeles Angels. Yates, an 11-year Major League Baseball veteran, agreed to a one-year, $5 million contract with the Angels. Last year, Yates had a 5.23 ERA with the Dodgers.
Key Facts
The Dodgers had one of the lowest-ranked bullpens in 2025, with an ERA of 4.86.
They tried to improve by signing several All-Star pitchers like Edwin Díaz, Tanner Scott, and Kirby Yates.
Their recent signing, Kirby Yates, had a difficult season with a 5.23 ERA.
The Dodgers won the World Series despite the struggles of these signings.
Yates agreed to a one-year, $5 million deal with the Los Angeles Angels.
In 2024, Yates had a strong year with a 1.17 ERA and earned an All-Star selection.
Jon Heyman, a long-time MLB insider, confirmed Yates' new deal.
The New York Yankees are considering trading their All-Star player, Jazz Chisholm Jr., due to his contract situation. Chisholm has only one year left on his current deal, and the Yankees might trade him for a more long-term player. The San Francisco Giants are suggested as a possible team interested in acquiring Chisholm.
Key Facts
The Yankees are open to trading Jazz Chisholm Jr. as he has one year left on his contract.
Manager Aaron Boone still expects Chisholm to be in the Opening Day lineup.
A trade could allow the Yankees to secure a longer-term infielder.
Buster Posey of the San Francisco Giants has shown interest in major trades and signings.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. had a successful season with a 30-30 record and was an All-Star for the second time.
The Yankees may consider other infield options if Chisholm is traded, such as Ketel Marte or Bo Bichette.
A strong offer is needed for the Yankees to move Chisholm, and the Giants could be willing to make that offer.
The article discusses a promotion from Underdog, a sports betting service. By using the code "NEWSWEEK," users can get a $75 bonus after making a $5 wager, regardless of the wager's outcome. The promotion applies to NBA games and college football bowl games happening this week.
Key Facts
Underdog offers a $75 bonus with the promo code "NEWSWEEK" once users make a $5 wager.
The bonus is guaranteed regardless of the result of the initial $5 wager.
The promotion is available for NBA and college football bowl games.
Example NBA games include 76ers vs. Grizzlies, and Pistons vs. Lakers.
College football games mentioned include Coastal Carolina vs. Louisiana Tech.
Underdog offers additional promos, like the "Snowball Boost" and profit boosts for multiple sports.
The sign-up process involves entering the code, providing identifying information, and making a deposit.
Newsweek may receive a commission for sign-ups through links in the article.
Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors has reached 21st place on the NBA's all-time scoring list. He achieved this by surpassing Kevin Garnett with a total of 26,077 career points. Curry is also the NBA's all-time leader in three-point field goals.
Key Facts
Steph Curry is 37 years old and is averaging 28.8 points per game this season.
Curry has moved into 21st place on the NBA's all-time scoring list, surpassing Kevin Garnett.
His career scoring total is 26,077 points.
Curry is close to overtaking John Havlicek and Paul Pierce on the scoring list.
Curry is a four-time NBA champion and a two-time MVP.
He holds the record for the most three-point field goals in the NBA with 4,172.
Golden State Warriors are currently eighth in the Western Conference with a 17–16 record.
The Warriors have won four of their last five games as of the recent victory against the Brooklyn Nets.
