MLB Baseball 24 Hours

Last updated: July 14, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

All-Star Game Buzz and Player Notes

The MLB All-Star Game is set to feature Kyle Schwarber leading off for the National League as a replacement for Shohei Ohtani, while Riley Greene, Ben Rice, and Cody Bellinger will start for the American League. Phillies interim manager Don Mattingly finds himself in a unique position, coaching under his Dodgers replacement at the All-Star Game against an American League team managed by his former boss with the Blue Jays. Meanwhile, Bryce Harper has denied giving Fan Duel consent for a personalized video, stating he was unaware how the sportsbook intended to use it, which has led to a lawsuit against FanDuel. Brewers ace Jacob Misiorowski will showcase a special Pokémon-themed glove during the All-Star Game, complete with a Charizard card inside.

Player Performances and Milestones

Jordan Walker is the reigning 2026 Home Run Derby champion, with his victory aiming to inspire more Black youth to play baseball. The Red Sox have extended their impressive winning streak to nine games, capping off their first 9-0 road trip since 1977 with a 3-2 victory over the Mets. This remarkable run has occurred despite the team trading a star guard, leading to unexpected success on the baseball diamond. In another significant event, Shohei Ohtani's cleats from the 2025 Tokyo series, which feature his Kanji signature and an image of his dog, are now part of a collection.

League Operations and Financial Matters

The MLBPA has strongly criticized the league's "Level the Field" ad campaign advocating for a salary cap, calling it "perverse". All-Stars, including Paul Skenes and Juan Soto, have voiced their opposition to a salary cap, believing there is still ample time to reach an agreement and avoid potential disruptions to the season. Discussions regarding MLB's participation in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics are facing hurdles due to disagreements with the MLBPA, despite growing support for the endeavor. Adding to the financial news, a set of 21 presidential autographed baseballs has sold for $3,055,000 at auction.

Draft and Roster Updates

The Miami Marlins selected Japanese slugger Rintaro Sasaki in the eighth round of the amateur draft. In a significant roster move, the Athletics have fired pitching coach Scott Emerson amid a nine-game losing streak, with bullpen coach Dan Hubbs taking over on an interim basis. The 2026 MLB draft has concluded, and analysis is available for each team's selections, identifying the best picks across all 30 franchises.

Record-Breaking Memorabilia and Player Value

A rare 1-of-1 rookie card of MLB star Shohei Ohtani has been privately sold for a record-breaking $3.365 million, underscoring his immense market value. The exceptional performances and star power in MLB are contributing to a significant moment for the sport, with players like Ohtani, Kyle Schwarber, and Jordan Walker being highlighted as key reasons for its current popularity ESPN MLB.

Injury Update

Orioles third baseman Blaze Alexander suffered a non-displaced fracture in his left hand after being hit by a pitch on Sunday.