MLB Baseball 24 Hours

Last updated: July 14, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

MLB Draft and Player News

The No. 1 pick in the MLB draft, Roch Cholowsky, has reportedly signed with the White Sox for a record $10.35 million signing bonus. In other draft news, the Miami Marlins selected Japanese slugger Rintaro Sasaki out of Stanford in the eighth round of the amateur draft. A recap of the 2026 MLB draft for all 30 teams is available, highlighting the best picks across the league.

All-Star Game and Player Performances

The All-Star Game saw Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero hit by a pitch in the third inning and exit the game. Kyle Schwarber of the Phillies will lead 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 in the Midsummer Classic. Brewers ace Jacob Misiorowski showcased a unique Pokémon-themed glove during the game, featuring a Charizard card inside the leather. Managers Don Mattingly and an unnamed AL manager are coaching under former bosses in the All-Star Game staffing arrangements.

Player Investments and Memorabilia

Bryce Harper has denied giving Fan Duel consent for a personalized fan video, amidst accusations against the sportsbook by a customer. A set of 21 presidential autographed baseballs, dating back to Theodore Roosevelt, sold for $3,055,000 at a live auction. Shohei Ohtani's cleats from his 2025 Tokyo series, signed with his Kanji signature and featuring his dog on the heels, are also in the news for their sale. Ohtani's rookie card has privately sold for a record $3.365 million according to reports.

Team Performance and Roster Moves

The Boston Red Sox are on a nine-game winning streak, completing their first 9-0 road trip since 1977 with a victory over the Mets on Sunday. The Athletics have fired pitching coach Scott Emerson amidst a nine-game slide, with bullpen coach Dan Hubbs taking over on an interim basis. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed Shohei Ohtani will be in the lineup for the upcoming series against the Yankees after receiving fluid drainage from his left knee this past week.

League Issues and Player Opinions

Major League Baseball is facing potential hurdles with the MLB Players Association regarding participation in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics according to sources. MLBPA head Bruce Meyer and Commissioner Rob Manfred hold differing views on the league's "Level the Field" ad campaign, which expresses a desire for a salary cap as reported. Several All-Stars, including Paul Skenes, Juan Soto, and Bryce Harper, oppose the idea of a salary cap but believe there is still time to reach a deal and avoid a shortened season as they stated.

Home Run Derby and Role Models

Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker hopes his victory in the Home Run Derby will inspire more Black children to play baseball as he stated. Walker was crowned the 2026 Home Run Derby champion in the event. The article also highlights other notable performances, such as Miz's pitching, Schwarbombs, and Shohei Ohtani's contributions, as reasons for baseball's current popularity according to the report.

Injury Updates

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