The New York Yankees are considering re-signing MLB player Cody Bellinger as a top priority, with a projected deal of six years at $180 million. Yankees player Aaron Judge supports bringing Bellinger back, believing it would strengthen the team. If Bellinger joins, the Yankees may look at trading another player to make room for new talent.
Key Facts
The Yankees are focusing on free agent Cody Bellinger after re-signing Trent Grisham.
Aaron Judge supports re-signing Bellinger, hoping it strengthens the team.
Cody Bellinger is projected to get a six-year, $180 million deal.
Bellinger is a highly valued player, being a two-time All-Star and former MVP.
If Bellinger joins, Yankees may consider trading Jasson Domínguez to allow for new player Spencer Jones.
Yankees' current outfield setup includes Judge, Grisham, Domínguez, and possibly Bellinger and Jones.
The Los Angeles Angels are exploring free agency to improve their team. They are reportedly interested in signing international free agent Kazuma Okamoto for around $90 million. Okamoto could play third base and help with hitting, potentially fitting well with the team's needs.
Key Facts
The Los Angeles Angels want to improve their team and sign new players.
They aim to strengthen by getting more hitters through free agency.
Kazuma Okamoto, an international free agent, is a target for the Angels.
Okamoto is projected to cost about $90 million over his contract period.
The Angels need both better hitting and a new third baseman, which Okamoto could provide.
Okamoto could replace Anthony Rendon as the third baseman.
The team's past success with Japanese players like Shohei Ohtani supports their interest in Okamoto.
It is expected his salary could be around $20 million per year.
The Boston Red Sox have improved their pitching staff by acquiring Sonny Gray and Johan Oviedo. As a result, they are unlikely to re-sign free agent pitcher Lucas Giolito. MLB.com's Andrew Simon suggests that Giolito could be a good addition to the Tampa Bay Rays, a division rival of the Red Sox.
Key Facts
The Red Sox traded for pitchers Sonny Gray and Johan Oviedo to strengthen their team.
Lucas Giolito is a free agent and is not expected to re-sign with the Red Sox.
Giolito had elbow surgery in 2024 but returned to pitch this past season.
Giolito had a 3.41 ERA, which measures earned runs per nine innings, last season.
MLB.com suggests Tampa Bay Rays could be a good fit for Giolito.
The Rays need more pitchers after trading away Shane Baz and because Shane McClanahan has had recent injuries.
Giolito could become a valuable trade asset if he joins the Rays and performs well.
British tennis player Jack Draper will not compete in the Australian Open next month due to an arm injury. Draper announced on social media that he is still recovering from the injury, which has been a significant challenge for him this year.
Key Facts
Jack Draper, a British tennis player, is the current British number one.
Draper will miss the Australian Open because of an ongoing arm injury.
He played only one singles match since Wimbledon and also withdrew from a tournament in London recently.
Draper first experienced arm discomfort during the clay-court season earlier this year.
He attempted a comeback at the US Open but had to withdraw due to the injury.
Draper reached a career-high ranking of world number four in June 2025.
He won a Masters 1000 title in March by defeating Holger Rune at the Indian Wells.
The Czech Republic will face Canada in the U20 Ice Hockey World Junior Championship in Minneapolis on December 26, 2025. This is an important game in Group B, with both teams having strong performances in previous tournaments. Canada is one of the favorites to win, and Czechia has consistently medaled in recent years.
Key Facts
The game between Czechia and Canada is part of the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship.
It will occur on Friday, December 26, 2025, at 8:30 PM ET.
The match will be broadcast on the NHL Network, with live streaming available on Fubo.
The venue for the game is the 3M Arena at Mariucci in Minneapolis.
Gavin McKenna, a top prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft, is part of the Canadian team.
Canada aims to improve after recent losses in the quarterfinals of past tournaments.
Czechia has medaled in the last three World Juniors, securing silver in 2023 and bronze in 2024 and 2025.
Both teams are expected to bring strong competition and set the tone for future matches in the tournament.
Florida International Panthers will play UTSA Roadrunners in the First Responder Bowl on December 26, 2025, at 8:00 PM ET. The game will be available on ESPN and ESPN Deportes, with a live stream on Fubo. Both teams have experienced changes in their player rosters due to the transfer portal.
Key Facts
Florida International Panthers have a record of 7 wins and 5 losses.
UTSA Roadrunners have a record of 6 wins and 6 losses.
Florida International has lost four players to the transfer portal, including key defensive backs.
Their quarterback, Keyone Jenkins, has a groin injury and might not play.
UTSA's Owen McCown has 27 touchdowns this season and starts his third bowl game.
Both teams have split their four previous matchups.
The game is set to take place at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas.
The Chicago Bulls will host the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night. The Bulls are on a four-game winning streak, while the 76ers recently lost to the Brooklyn Nets.
Key Facts
The Chicago Bulls have a record of 14 wins and 15 losses.
The Philadelphia 76ers have a record of 16 wins and 12 losses.
The Bulls recently won against the Atlanta Hawks with a last-second free throw by Coby White.
Coby White scored 24 points in the game, while Josh Giddey had a triple-double.
The 76ers lost to the Brooklyn Nets, hitting only 7 out of 27 three-point shots.
Joel Embiid scored 27 points for the 76ers in their last game.
Bulls forward Matas Buzelis left a recent game with a leg injury.
The game will be broadcast on the Chicago Sports Network and available for live streaming on Fubo.
Michigan has hired Kyle Whittingham as their new head football coach. Whittingham, previously with Utah, signed a five-year contract. Dave Portnoy, a Michigan alum, reacted positively to the news on social media.
Key Facts
Kyle Whittingham was hired as the head coach of the Michigan Wolverines football team.
Whittingham previously coached at Utah and had an impressive record of 177-88.
He left Utah earlier this month before accepting the position at Michigan.
Whittingham signed a five-year contract with the Wolverines.
Michigan's previous head coach, Sherrone Moore, was dismissed on December 10.
Moore faced legal issues, including a felony charge, after his dismissal.
Michigan won the national title in 2023 under Jim Harbaugh, who left for the NFL.
Egypt has qualified for the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after winning 1-0 against South Africa. Mohamed Salah scored the only goal with a penalty in the first half. Egypt played with 10 men after Mohamed Hany was sent off with a red card just before halftime.
Key Facts
Egypt defeated South Africa 1-0 in the AFCON 2025 to qualify for the knockout stage.
Mohamed Salah scored the game's only goal with a penalty kick.
Egypt had to play with 10 players after Mohamed Hany received a red card.
Egypt has six points from two matches, ensuring a spot in the next round.
South Africa was denied a penalty late in the game after an alleged handball by Yasser Ibrahim.
Angola and Zimbabwe drew 1-1 in another Group B match.
Many fans in the stadium supported Egypt's team during the match.
Indiana University has gained a strong quarterback, Drew Mestemaker, from North Texas through the college football transfer portal. Coach Curt Cignetti is building a team at Indiana using standout players from the transfer portal, like Mestemaker, hoping for continued success in college football. The transfer portal becomes open for new transfers on January 2, 2026.
Key Facts
Indiana University's football team picked up quarterback Drew Mestemaker from North Texas.
Mestemaker threw for 4,129 yards and 31 touchdowns in 2025.
Indiana's coach, Curt Cignetti, has successfully used transfers to improve his team.
Previous quarterbacks Kurtis Rourke and Fernando Mendoza also came from the transfer portal and had successful seasons with Indiana.
The college football transfer portal opens on January 2, 2026, for new players to join different teams.
Cignetti is searching for talented quarterbacks to join Indiana, using the transfer portal.
FanDuel is offering new users a chance to earn a $250 bonus by placing a $5 initial bet on sports events like the NBA, NFL, and more. This promotion aims to attract bettors for weekend games, including NBA matchups on Friday and various sports over the weekend.
Key Facts
FanDuel offers a $250 bonus for new users who place a $5 bet.
The promotion applies to several sports, including NBA, NFL, NHL, and college football.
Users do not need a promo code to sign up for the offer.
The promotion allows users to start betting on Friday's NBA games.
NBA matchups include teams like the Hawks vs. Heat and Bulls vs. 76ers.
The bonus can be used on any sport available during the weekend.
Users must deposit at least $5 to activate the offer.
The Atlanta Hawks will play against the Miami Heat in an NBA game on Friday, December 26, 2025, at State Farm Arena. Both teams are struggling, with the Hawks losing their last four games and the Heat losing their last three. Key players for the game include Trae Young for the Hawks and Norman Powell for the Heat.
Key Facts
The game is on Friday, December 26, 2025, at 7:00 PM ET.
It will be shown on ESPN and ESPN Deportes.
The Atlanta Hawks have a current record of 15 wins and 16 losses.
The Miami Heat have a current record of 15 wins and 15 losses.
Trae Young is back from injury and will play for the Hawks.
The Hawks have concerns with their defense due to player injuries.
Tyler Herro is out for the Heat, and Bam Adebayo is uncertain to play.
Norman Powell is taking on a bigger role for the Heat.
The New York Rangers and New York Islanders are set to play against each other on December 27, 2025, at UBS Arena. Fans can watch the game on ESPN+ or live stream it through Fubo. Both teams recently secured wins in their previous matches.
Key Facts
The game between the Rangers and Islanders will take place at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York.
The match is scheduled for Saturday, December 27, 2025, at 6:00 PM ET.
It will be broadcast on ESPN+ and MSG Sports, with live streaming available on Fubo.
The Rangers recently won against the Washington Capitals with a score of 7-3.
The Islanders ended a losing streak by winning 2-1 against the New Jersey Devils.
Artemi Panarin is the leading scorer for the Rangers with 14 goals and 38 points.
Bo Horvat, leading the Islanders with 19 goals, may return from injury for this game.
Fubo offers a free trial for streaming NHL games online, with regional restrictions possibly applying.
Daily fantasy sports players can use the Betr promo code NEWSWEEK to get a total of $210 in bonuses. This offer includes a $10 sign-up bonus and a deposit bonus of up to $200, which players can use to make picks on various sports like the NBA, NHL, college football, and NFL.
Key Facts
The Betr promo code NEWSWEEK provides $210 in total bonuses for new players.
Players receive a $10 bonus just for signing up.
There is a 50% deposit match bonus available up to $200.
A $200 deposit will give players an extra $100 in bonus money.
The offer is available for new players who make a new account on Betr.
Bonus money can be used to make picks across NBA, NHL, NFL, college basketball, and college football games.
Newsweek may earn money if players sign up through their links.
The article discusses a promotional offer from Underdog for NBA and NFL games where new users who place a $5 bet can receive $75 in bonus credits. The promotion involves making player predictions for upcoming games and choosing between different payout options. Users need to sign up with a specific promo code and meet certain requirements to qualify.
Key Facts
Underdog offers a $75 bonus for new users placing a $5 bet on NBA or NFL games.
Users need to create an account and enter the promo code "NEWSWEEK" to participate.
The promotion applies to player predictions where users select over or under certain player statistics.
Participants can choose between a max payout option, which requires all picks to be correct, and a flex option, which pays even if some picks are incorrect.
The promotion includes NBA games like Heat vs. Hawks and NFL games like Texans vs. Chargers.
This offer is valid for new account sign-ups before the games begin.
Newsweek earns a commission if users sign up through links provided in the article.
The United States U20 hockey team will play against Germany in the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship. The game will take place on December 26, 2025, at the Grand Casino Arena in Minnesota. The match will be broadcasted on the NHL Network and available for live streaming on Fubo.
Key Facts
The game is part of the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship.
United States U20 team will face Germany U20 in Group A.
The game is scheduled for December 26, 2025, at 6:00 PM ET.
It will be held at the Grand Casino Arena in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
The United States team is the two-time defending champion.
The match will be shown on the NHL Network and can be streamed on Fubo.
Team USA won a warm-up game against Germany 8-0.
Germany is seen as an underdog but aims to compete strongly.
The Boston Red Sox are considering trading Jarren Duran, one of their outfielders, but want a top-level starting pitcher in return. So far, no team has agreed to these terms, as such pitchers are highly sought after. Duran performed well in 2024, but it may be hard for the Red Sox to find a trading partner willing to give up a top pitcher for him.
Key Facts
The Red Sox have several talented outfielders and are thinking about trading Jarren Duran.
The team wants a top starting pitcher in exchange for Duran.
Jarren Duran was an All-Star in 2024 and led the league in doubles and triples.
Duran hit 21 home runs in 2024 and had an on-base plus slugging (OPS) of .834.
The trade market for pitchers is competitive, making it difficult to find a team willing to trade a top pitcher for Duran.
The Red Sox might consider keeping Duran until the trade deadline if a suitable trade isn't found.
An MLB insider predicts that the New York Mets will make a major player acquisition this offseason, despite fans' concerns following recent team changes. The Mets have released several key players but suggest a significant signing or trade is still likely before spring training.
Key Facts
The New York Mets have let go of four long-time players: Jeff McNeil, Pete Alonso, Edwin Díaz, and Brandon Nimmo.
The team recently acquired Devin Williams and Jorge Polanco.
The Mets missed the playoffs last season by a single game.
ESPN's Jeff Passan predicts the Mets will make a substantial acquisition in the offseason.
David Stearns, the Mets' president of baseball operations, is leading the team's restructuring.
The offseason is halfway over, giving the Mets time to make further changes before spring training.
The Las Vegas Raiders' player Maxx Crosby has been sidelined for the rest of the season due to a knee injury. He is reportedly unhappy with this decision. Crosby is a key defensive player for the Raiders, who are aiming for a high draft pick with their current losing record.
Key Facts
The Raiders decided to end Maxx Crosby's season because of a knee injury.
Crosby was unhappy with being sidelined and disagreed with the team's decision.
The Raiders have a 2-13 record, tying them for the worst in the league.
The team may be aiming for the top draft pick in 2026 by not focusing on winning the last games.
Crosby joined the league in 2019 as a fourth-round pick.
He signed a significant contract with the Raiders, lasting through 2029, worth $106.5 million.
Crosby has played 110 games, achieving 439 tackles and 69.5 sacks in his career.
The New York Yankees want to keep Cody Bellinger on their team, but the New York Mets and other teams are also interested in signing him. Despite competition, the Yankees are confident they can retain Bellinger for the long term.
Key Facts
The Yankees are focusing on keeping Cody Bellinger.
The New York Mets are interested in signing Bellinger, alongside other teams like the San Francisco Giants and the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Bellinger performed well last season, hitting 29 home runs and having a .272 batting average.
Last offseason, the Mets signed two former Yankees, Juan Soto and Clay Holmes.
The Yankees believe Bellinger is less likely to leave for the Mets compared to Soto.
Signing Bellinger long-term could benefit the Yankees beyond the next season.
