MLB Baseball 24 Hours

Last updated: July 20, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

Trade Rumors and Team Strategies

As the MLB trade deadline approaches, speculation is rife regarding which teams will make significant moves. Insiders gathered in Philadelphia during All-Star week heard whispers about potential blockbuster deals, with teams like the Dodgers and Mets being mentioned as active participants. The Red Sox, currently on an impressive 13-game winning streak, are also a team to watch, especially after their recent success. Meanwhile, the Cubs have bolstered their pitching staff by acquiring right-hander Aaron Civale from the Athletics. The long-term implications of MLB's labor situation also All-Star festivities, with the potential for a work stoppage casting a shadow.

Player Performances and Milestones

Several players are making notable impacts on the field. Rockies slugger Hunter Goodman celebrated his second three-homer game of the season on Sunday, etching his name into the Colorado Rockies record books. Pirates rookie Esmerlyn Valdez continues his impressive debut, reaching 12 home runs and 31 RBIs in just 31 games, a feat matched by only three other players in MLB history. Atlanta Braves catcher Drake Baldwin, returning from an oblique injury, had a career day at the plate, going 5-for-5 with two home runs in his team's 8-5 victory. The Red Sox extended their remarkable winning streak to 13 games, with Willson Contreras contributing a two-run homer and Sonny Gray delivering a solid pitching performance.

Injury Updates and Roster Moves

Injuries continue to affect several teams. New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge, sidelined since May 31 with a fractured rib, will require further scans before resuming activity and has been moved to the 60-day injured list. Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo exited Sunday's game with right shoulder discomfort. The Astros are dealing with injuries to shortstop Jeremy Peña and first baseman Christian Walker, who were out of Sunday's lineup. Shohei Ohtani will not make his scheduled start against the Phillies due to left knee irritation, further stalling his return to the mound. In other roster news, the Braves optioned right-hander Owen Murphy to Triple-A Gwinnett and selected the contract of veteran right-hander Elieser Hernández.

Prospect Watch and International Signings

The future of MLB is being shaped by developing talent. A comprehensive ranking of the top 10 prospects for all 30 teams has been released, detailing risers and fallers in farm systems following the MLB draft. In international news, Rintaro Sasaki has committed to signing with the Miami Marlins, foregoing a professional career in Japan.

League News and Tributes

The baseball world mourns the passing of Duane Ward, a key reliever for the Toronto Blue Jays' back-to-back World Series championship teams in the early 1990s, who died at the age of 62. In Chicago, the Cubs unveiled their Champions Gate, celebrating the 10-year anniversary of their 2016 World Series triumph, with members of that team, including MVP Ben Zobrist and Anthony Rizzo, in attendance. During the ceremony, former Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo, now retired, caught a home run hit by current Cubs first baseman Michael Busch from the bleachers.