The Seawanhaka Sports Rundown is a weekly roundup of five stories that examine developments in sports news at the local, state, national and international levels.
By: COOPER ALBERS / CHIEF SPORTS EDITOR
Yankees Bolster Their Pitching
In true Steinbrenner fashion, the New York Yankees have decided that “you can’t have too much pitching.”
In their first move of the post-Soto era, the Yanks signed All-Star starter Max Fried to an eight-year, $218 million contract, the largest guaranteed deal for a left handed pitcher in baseball history. Last season, the 30-year-old held a 3.25 ERA with 166 strikeouts in 29 starts with the Atlanta Braves.
A few days later, New York acquired All-Star closer Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for lefty starter Nestor Cortes and prospect Caleb Durbin. The “Airbender,” also 30, is a former Reliever of the Year that holds a 1.83 ERA in 97 career relief appearances.
Both acquisitions significantly bolster the Yankees’ pitching depth. Since 2022, Fried holds the lowest qualified ERA among starters while Williams commands the lowest mark among relievers.
Caitlin Clark Recognized as TIME’s Athlete of the Year
Basketball superstar Caitlin Clark has quickly established herself as one of the most influential sports figures of our generation. This week, she was named TIME’s Athlete of the Year.
On the court, Clark continued to assert herself as one of the game’s best. She rounded out her college career on a high note, breaking the NCAA scoring record and leading the Iowa Buckeyes back to the national championship.
As the No. 1 pick in the WNBA Draft, the 22-year-old proved her skills could translate to the professional level in a dazzling Rookie of the Year winning season with the Indiana Fever.
While tearing it up on the court, Clark became the face of the WNBA and helped propel the league to new heights. The WNBA enjoyed record ratings and attendance, reaching new audiences and becoming the fastest growing brand of the year.
Clark, 22, joins an elite list of athletes to be recognized with the honor, most recently including Simone Biles (2021), Aaron Judge (2022) and Lionel Messi (2023).
LeBron James is spending time away from the Lakers
LeBron James hasn’t played since December 6 and not even his coach knows when he’ll be back.
James, approaching his 40th birthday, missed his first game of the season last Sunday after previously expressing his intention to play all 82. He then missed a team practice on Wednesday, which head coach JJ Redick said was an “excused absence” due to “personal reasons.”
On Friday night, he missed his second straight game after not travelling with the team to Minnesota. When asked if he knew when James would be back in uniform, Redick said “no.”
The Lakers have failed to meet expectations this season, sitting at 10th in the Western Conference with a record of 13-12. In his 22nd season, the top scorer in NBA history is averaging 23 points, eight rebounds and nine assists per game but had been going through a disheartening slump prior to his leave.
Joaquin Buckley Batters Colby Covington at UFC Tampa
UFC welterweight Joaquin Buckley made a statement in the promotion’s final fight of 2024. In the main event of UFC Tampa, Buckley pieced up former interim champion Colby Covington for a third round TKO victory due to a doctor’s stoppage.
“Hey Tampa, I know that ain’t the fight that y’all really wanted,” Buckley said in his post-fight interview. “I know we spilled a little blood but I know y’all wanted to see a knockout man so my bad, y’all.”
Despite not getting the knockout, Buckley dominated Covington in every aspect of the bout. He successfully thwarted Covington’s greatest asset – his unrelenting pace – while beating him to a bloody pulp. After slicing open his opponent’s right eyelid in the first round, Buckley continued to target the wound until the doctor had seen enough.
With the win, Buckley (21-6) secured his sixth straight victory and remains undefeated at 170 pounds. He will likely crack the top five in the welterweight rankings after dominating one of the division’s most formidable opponents.
Bill Belichick Named Head Coach of North Carolina
On Wednesday night, legendary football coach Bill Belichick was named head coach for the University of North Carolina. Belichick’s father served as the Tar Heels’ assistant coach in the early 1950s.
"I grew up around college football with my dad and treasured those times," Belichick said in a press release. "I have always wanted to coach in college and now I look forward to building the football program in Chapel Hill."
Belichick, 72, commanded the New England Patriots for 24 seasons, leading the team to an unprecedented six Super Bowl victories, the most for any NFL coach. He will look to bring his winning culture to the ACC for a team that hasn’t won the conference title since 1980.
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