Cody Bellinger agreed to a five-year, $162.5 million contract with the New York Yankees. The deal includes a $20 million signing bonus and the opportunity for Bellinger to opt out after the first two seasons. The contract gives Bellinger $85 million over the next two seasons, with potential financial gains if he performs well.
Key Facts
Cody Bellinger signed a five-year contract with the Yankees worth $162.5 million.
The contract includes a $20 million signing bonus.
Bellinger will receive a base salary of $32.5 million for each of the next two seasons.
He has the option to opt out of the contract after the second and fourth years.
If he stays, he will earn $25.8 million in both 2028 and 2029 and $25.9 million in 2030.
Bellinger's contract gives him $85 million over the next two seasons.
This deal allows Bellinger to reenter the market if he believes he can secure a better contract in the future.
In 2022, the Los Angeles Lakers considered trading LeBron James to the Los Angeles Clippers. This idea came after a disappointing season for the Lakers, where they failed to make the playoffs. Jeanie Buss, the Lakers governor, was frustrated with LeBron's influence on team decisions.
Key Facts
The Lakers considered trading LeBron James to the Clippers in 2022.
This discussion happened after a poor 2021-22 Lakers season with a 33-49 record.
The Lakers missed the playoffs that year.
LeBron was involved in bringing Russell Westbrook to the team, which did not work out as planned.
Jeanie Buss, the Lakers governor, was unhappy with LeBron's and his agency's control over team decisions.
The Clippers finished the season with a better record than the Lakers but did not make the playoffs.
LeBron signed a contract extension with a no-trade clause in July 2024.
Tim Locastro, a former MLB outfielder, is retiring from playing and will join the San Diego Padres as a coach. He played for teams like the Dodgers, Yankees, and Mets and is known for his speed and base-stealing skills. Locastro will work as the Padres' baserunning and outfield coordinator.
Key Facts
Tim Locastro retired from playing professional baseball.
He will now work with the San Diego Padres as a baserunning and outfield coordinator.
Locastro played 290 major league games for teams including the Dodgers, Diamondbacks, Yankees, and Mets.
He holds a career record of 45 stolen bases.
During his last season with the New York Mets in 2023, he successfully stole 6 bases without being caught.
In 2024 and 2025, he played for the Padres’ Triple-A affiliate, the El Paso Chihuahuas.
Locastro is noted for having the fastest sprint speed in MLB during the past decade.
The Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres are both interested in trading for Freddy Peralta, a pitcher from the Milwaukee Brewers. The Padres are reportedly willing to trade top young players to get Peralta, who is nearing free agency next year. The Dodgers have a highly ranked farm system but might not want to give up their best prospects.
Key Facts
The Dodgers and Padres are both considering trades for Freddy Peralta from the Brewers.
Freddy Peralta is a two-time All-Star pitcher.
The San Diego Padres are open to offering top prospects for Peralta.
Peralta is a year away from being a free agent, meaning he can choose any team after next season.
The Brewers have a history of trading top pitchers before they become free agents, like Josh Hader and Corbin Burnes.
The Dodgers' farm system is ranked higher than the Padres' but might not want to trade their top prospects.
The Padres have prospects like Kruz Schoolcraft and Ethan Salas, who might interest the Brewers.
Toronto Blue Jays player Bo Bichette has joined the New York Mets with a three-year contract worth $126 million. Bichette's departure follows his performance in the World Series and will lead to changes in team dynamics, affecting players like Ernie Clement.
Key Facts
Bo Bichette was a key player for the Toronto Blue Jays for 10 years.
He has joined the New York Mets with a contract worth $126 million for three years.
Bichette hit a three-run home run in Game 7 of the recent World Series.
Ernie Clement, a teammate, expressed mixed feelings about Bichette leaving.
The Blue Jays had previously acquired Andrés Giménez, who played shortstop when Bichette was injured.
Clement may now play more at second base, which was Bichette's position in the World Series.
Despite Bichette's departure, the team remains optimistic about their chances for the next season.
The New York Knicks are facing challenges this season and are involved in trade discussions. While rumors initially pointed towards major trades involving Karl-Anthony Towns, the Knicks appear open to more minor moves, like trading Guerschon Yabusele, whose performance has decreased since joining the team.
Key Facts
The Knicks are going through a difficult phase with a poor start to the new year.
There were rumors about the team trading for Karl-Anthony Towns, but these are not currently being pursued actively.
The Knicks have been reportedly involved in discussions with other teams, like the Grizzlies, Magic, and Hornets.
Despite rumors of big trades, the Knicks are considering trading Guerschon Yabusele instead.
Yabusele's performance with the Knicks has declined compared to his previous season with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Yabusele is currently under a $5.5 million contract with a player option for next season.
The trade deadline in February puts a timeline on any potential moves the Knicks might make.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has turned down Bangladesh's request to move their T20 World Cup matches from India to Sri Lanka. Bangladesh wanted to change locations due to safety concerns amid tensions with India, but the ICC decided not to alter the schedule.
Key Facts
The ICC rejected Bangladesh's request to relocate their T20 World Cup games from India to Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh cited safety concerns and growing tensions with India as reasons for their request.
Indian media mentioned that Bangladesh was warned to accept playing in India or risk being excluded from the tournament.
The ICC stated that changing the schedule so close to the event was not feasible.
The T20 World Cup is set to start on 7 February.
Bangladesh's team is scheduled to play all four of their group matches in India.
Pakistan's matches will be played in Sri Lanka due to tensions with India.
Bangladesh's participation in the tournament is still uncertain according to their captain, Litton Das.
The Philadelphia Eagles are looking for a new offensive coordinator but key candidates, Mike McDaniel and Brian Daboll, have shown interest in other teams. Some analysts suggest that their hesitation is due to concerns about the team's quarterback, Jalen Hurts. The Eagles are facing structural challenges as they prepare for upcoming seasons.
Key Facts
Mike McDaniel is considering joining the Los Angeles Chargers unless he receives a head coach offer from the Las Vegas Raiders or Baltimore Ravens.
Brian Daboll is interested in the Tennessee Titans' offensive coordinator position but prefers a head coach role with the Buffalo Bills.
The Eagles need a new offensive coordinator to replace Kevin Patullo.
Analysts suggest that concerns about quarterback Jalen Hurts might be influencing McDaniel's and Daboll's decisions to look elsewhere.
Jalen Hurts had improved passing stats in 2025 but his rushing performance decreased compared to 2024.
The Eagles are expected to undergo significant changes in 2026, leading to potential instability in the team structure.
Rory McIlroy has asked Tyrrell Hatton and Jon Rahm to pay fines to the DP World Tour to show their support for the European Ryder Cup team. Hatton and Rahm were fined for playing in LIV Golf events that conflicted with the DP World Tour, but they have appealed the fines. These unresolved issues continue to affect their eligibility for future Ryder Cup events.
Key Facts
Rory McIlroy urged Tyrrell Hatton and Jon Rahm to settle their fines with the DP World Tour.
Hatton and Rahm were fined for playing in LIV Golf events while still members of the European tour.
Their appeal in 2024 allowed them to play in enough events to remain eligible for the 2023 Ryder Cup.
The appeals have not yet been resolved, impacting their eligibility for the 2027 Ryder Cup.
McIlroy suggested paying fines would demonstrate their commitment to Europe's Ryder Cup team.
In 2023, American Ryder Cup players were paid for the first time, but some pledged to donate their earnings.
McIlroy supports the DP World Tour's rules and believes players understood the consequences of joining LIV Golf.
Liverpool will play against Olympique Marseille in the UEFA Champions League on January 21, 2025. The game is significant for both teams as it affects their chances of advancing and seeding in the tournament. Liverpool has shown strong performance in the Champions League, while Marseille hopes to make it to the knockout phase after a long gap.
Key Facts
The match between Liverpool and Marseille is on January 21, 2025, at 3:00 PM ET.
The game will be held at the Orange Vélodrome and broadcasted live on Paramount+.
Liverpool has a strong recent record in the Champions League, winning 16 of their last 19 group stage matches.
Dominik Szoboszlai has been an important player for Liverpool with goals in recent European matches.
Marseille has won their last two Champions League games and is performing well in the French domestic league (Ligue 1).
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is a leading scorer for Marseille in the Champions League this season.
Liverpool is favored to win with odds of -105, while Marseille has odds of +265, according to DraftKings.
The atmosphere at the Orange Vélodrome could be a factor, enhancing Marseille's home-field confidence.
Indiana's college football team, led by coach Curt Cignetti, won their first national championship with a perfect season. ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum had criticized the university's decision to extend Cignetti's contract, but coach Lane Kiffin and others have defended Cignetti's success. The team's achievement is seen as a major moment in college football history.
Key Facts
Indiana Hoosiers football team completed a perfect 16-0 season.
They won the national championship by defeating the Miami Hurricanes.
Curt Cignetti has a 27-2 overall record since joining Indiana in 2024.
Indiana signed Cignetti to a new eight-year, $93 million contract.
ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum questioned the contract decision.
LSU coach Lane Kiffin criticized Finebaum's comments after Indiana's victory.
Finebaum later acknowledged Cignetti's success as a remarkable sports story.
Barcelona will play Slavia Prague in a UEFA Champions League match. The game takes place on January 21, 2025, at 3:00 PM ET, and will be broadcast on Paramount+ and DAZN. Barcelona needs a win to advance, while Slavia Prague searches for their first victory in this stage of the tournament.
Key Facts
The match is on January 21, 2025, at 3:00 PM ET.
It will be broadcast on Paramount+ and DAZN.
Barcelona has a 3-1-2 record in the group stage, with 14 goals scored.
Slavia Prague has yet to win a game in the group stage, holding a 0-3-3 record.
Barcelona's lineup may include players like Marcus Rashford and Pedri.
Slavia Prague has shown strong domestic performance despite European struggles.
Barcelona aims to secure a top-eight finish to avoid a playoff.
Los Angeles Lakers' center Deandre Ayton left a game against the Denver Nuggets after being poked in the eye and did not return. Head coach JJ Redick mentioned that Ayton's eye was in bad shape, but they hope it is just a temporary issue. The Lakers won the game 115-107, with Jaxson Hayes stepping in for Ayton.
Key Facts
Deandre Ayton is a center for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Ayton left a game against the Denver Nuggets early due to an eye injury.
Lakers coach JJ Redick said Ayton's eye is not in good shape, but they hope it's just a minor injury.
Ayton shared a lighthearted post on Instagram wearing an eye patch.
There is no update on Ayton's availability for the next game against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Jaxson Hayes replaced Ayton, contributing nine points, five rebounds, and two blocks.
The Lakers won the game 115-107 and currently rank fifth in the Western Conference standings.
The Lakers have a 26-16 record after winning their last two games.
Jean-Philippe Mateta, a striker for Crystal Palace, wants to leave the club, and several teams are interested in signing him. Mateta has 18 months left on his current contract, and Crystal Palace is open to offers. Juventus and Aston Villa are among the clubs showing interest in him.
Key Facts
Jean-Philippe Mateta, a striker from France, plays for Crystal Palace.
Mateta has expressed his desire to leave the club.
He has 18 months left on his current contract with Crystal Palace.
Juventus and Aston Villa are interested in signing him.
Crystal Palace values Mateta at around £40 million.
The club's manager, Oliver Glasner, stated they are considering offers for Mateta.
Crystal Palace recently sold their captain Marc Guehi to Manchester City.
Oliver Glasner criticized the club's recruitment strategy after a recent loss.
Will Smith, the Los Angeles Dodgers catcher, announced a partnership between his charity, Catching Hope, and Netflix Is A Joke for a comedy event in May 2026. The event aims to raise funds for underprivileged children and will feature comedian Ken Jeong as the host. Smith is also focused on helping the Dodgers aim for another World Series win.
Key Facts
Will Smith is an All-Star catcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
He announced a charity event partnering with Netflix Is A Joke.
The comedy event will take place on May 7, 2026, in Beverly Hills.
Comedian Ken Jeong will host the event.
The event aims to support initiatives to help underprivileged children.
Money from ticket sales will go to Smith's charity, Catching Hope.
The Dodgers are contenders for a third consecutive World Series win.
Smith had a successful 2025 season with impressive baseball statistics.
Chelsea will play against Pafos in the UEFA Champions League at 3:00 PM ET on Wednesday, live from Stamford Bridge on Paramount+. Chelsea has earned 10 points from six matches and aims for a top-eight finish. This season marks Pafos's debut in the Champions League after qualifying victories and a historic win over Villarreal.
Key Facts
The match between Chelsea and Pafos is on Wednesday, January 21, 2025, at 3:00 PM ET.
The game will be available on the TV channel Paramount+ and can be streamed live.
Chelsea has gained 10 points from six league-phase matches in the current UEFA Champions League.
Chelsea aims to finish in the top eight and directly qualify for the round-of-16.
Chelsea has a strong history in the Champions League, reaching the knockout rounds in their last eight attempts.
Pafos is participating in the Champions League for the first time and has six points from six matches.
Pafos had a notable victory against Villarreal in their Champions League journey.
Veteran defender David Luiz returns to Stamford Bridge with Pafos, having previously played for Chelsea.
The New York Yankees have signed Cody Bellinger, an All-Star baseball player, to a five-year contract worth $162.5 million. Bellinger played the 2025 season with the Yankees and was a top free agent available.
Key Facts
Cody Bellinger is an All-Star outfielder in baseball.
The New York Yankees re-signed him on a five-year contract.
The contract is worth $162.5 million.
Bellinger is 30 years old.
He played with the Yankees in the 2025 season.
Bellinger was considered the best available player in free agency.
The Seattle Seahawks lost their backup running back, Zach Charbonnet, to a knee injury, ending his season. They are considering adding George Holani to their roster to maintain depth. Kenneth Walker III is expected to be the primary running back in the upcoming games.
Key Facts
Zach Charbonnet, a backup running back for the Seahawks, suffered a torn ACL injury.
Charbonnet will miss the rest of the season, including the Super Bowl, if the Seahawks make it that far.
The Seahawks are considering George Holani, who might return to practice after recovering from an injury, to fill the gap.
Holani has played for the Seahawks before and appeared in 11 games this season.
Kenneth Walker III is set to take on the main role for the backfield, leading the team's running game.
Walker played in 58 games this season and rushed for 1,027 yards and five touchdowns.
A new Kalshi promo code offers a $10 bonus for making $100 in trades on their platform. Users can make predictions on various sports events, including NBA, NHL, and NFL games, to unlock this bonus. This code is part of an effort to engage users with their sports markets and other prediction opportunities.
Key Facts
The Kalshi promo code NEWSWEEK gives users a $10 bonus for making $100 in trades.
Predictions can be made on NBA, NHL, NFL games, and events like the Australian Open.
Users can trade positions and sell them during events, which is different from traditional sports betting.
Users can sign up by providing personal details and making a deposit.
The promotion encourages exploring various markets on Kalshi, including sports and non-sports events.
Kalshi allows users to make multiple trades to reach the $100 requirement.
The Buffalo Bills lost to the Denver Broncos in the NFL playoffs. After the loss, team owner Terry Pegula told player Josh Allen that a controversial catch decision impacted the game. The Bills have fired head coach Sean McDermott and will search for a new coach.
Key Facts
The Buffalo Bills lost to the Denver Broncos in overtime during the NFL playoffs.
The game ended with a score of 33-30.
A controversial play involved a pass to Brandin Cooks, ruled an interception for the Denver Broncos.
Bills owner Terry Pegula spoke to Josh Allen after the game, acknowledging the catch controversy.
The Bills fired head coach Sean McDermott after this loss.
The team will search for a new head coach in the offseason.
General Manager Brandon Beane will work to improve the team's roster, focusing on wide receivers.
