Wildfires burn out of control across Los Angeles area and kill 5 as thousands flee homes  —  Wind-fueled wildfires continued to grow Wednesday as overtaxed fire crews battled at least three major out-of-control blazes that killed at least five people and ravaged some of the most picturesque neighborhoods in the Los Angeles area.

Inside Jerod Mayo's disastrous season with the Patriots: 'I just don't think he was ready'  —  The New England Patriots' coaching staff came out of its Week 14 bye feeling good.  Sure, the team had suffered through a six-game losing streak and had a 3-10 record, but there was optimism that the final stretch of the season would go well.

Realistic MLB Trades That Could Happen Before 2025 Spring Training  —  There are exactly 33 days to go until pitchers and catchers report for MLB spring training.  That means there's plenty of time for trades to happen.  —  The goal here is to imagine eight deals that could realistically happen in the next few weeks.

Biggest MLB questions right now: Pete Alonso and Alex Bregman drama, trade rumors swirl  —  There has been $2.6 billion spent in these first 69 days of free agency, but with five weeks remaining until spring training, everyone but the powerful Los Angeles Dodgers still have Dunkin' Donut-sized holes left to be filled.

Justin Verlander signing one-year deal with San Francisco Giants  —  Justin Verlander will celebrate his 42nd birthday in a largely unfamiliar place — in a Cactus League training camp for a club leaning on his veteran chops to galvanize a young and emerging staff.

Brother of late Padres owner pushes back on widow's lawsuit allegations  —  Matt Seidler has pushed back against the widow of late San Diego Padres chairman Peter Seidler, denying claims that they have acted in bad faith and stating that his brother never expressed interest in her running the franchise.

Brian Matusz, former Baltimore Orioles pitcher, dies at 37  —  Former Baltimore Orioles pitcher Brian Matusz has died, the team announced.  He was 37.  —  Who is Garrett Crochet?  Lefty goes from White Sox to Red Sox in Winter Meetings trade  —  Garrett Crochet, the 11th overall pick …

Red Sox, Garrett Crochet have opened talks on contract extension  —  When the Red Sox acquired starter Garrett Crochet from the White Sox in mid-December, they did so with an eye on extending him past 2026, his last year under team control.  Their efforts to that end have begun.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jermaine Burton accused of assault, no charges filed  —  Sharon Coolidge Cameron Knight Kelsey ConwayCincinnati Enquirer  —  Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jermaine Burton is accused of assaulting a woman he was dating, but she refused to press charges, Cincinnati police reports show.

Giants Claim Sam Huff, Designate Austin Warren  —  The Giants claimed catcher Sam Huff off waivers from the Rangers and designated reliever Austin Warren for assignment in a corresponding move.  Both teams have announced their end of the transaction.  —  Huff, 27 next week …

What's next for the Mets after meeting with top reliever Tanner Scott  —  The New York Mets' pursuit of bullpen reinforcements differs somewhat from how they navigated the starting pitcher market.  With relievers, they're exploring the most expensive options available, and have met …