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Happy Friday, one and all! As some of you might have predicted, after Phase 1 of the All-Star voting was completed, there were no Cubs on the shortlist. Outside of the Braves and Dodgers, actually, there wasn’t a lot of team diversity in the top names. But that was kind of to be expected.
In addition to the first round of All-Star voting giving us a preview of what to expect at the All-Star Game in July, we also saw the MLB owners present their newest CBA proposal, and we also saw how well it was received by the MLBPA (spoiler: good thing they started these negotiations so early…)
We also look at some strife between Dodgers teammates as drama starts brewing between Shohei Ohtani and rookie catcher Dalton Rushing. Not a good look!
Let’s get into all that and more below.
- How can Cedric Mullins improve his output? Davy Andrews tries to figure it out.
- Theo DeRosa looks at the results of Phase 1 of All-Star voting.
- Shohei Ohtani was the top vote-getter in the NL, and will be the All-Star Game starter at DH. Story by Sonja Chen.
- Anthony Castrovince looks at the latest CBA offer which will surely be received well.
- Evan Drellich shares some insider feedback on the CBA offers: don’t over-read it. (The Athletic subscription required.)
- Ken Rosenthal thinks the new owners’ proposal will limit the growth of the game. (The Athletic subscription required.)
- The NL voting for Phase 1:
Here are your National League All-Star Ballot FINALISTS!
Phase 2 voting opens Monday, 6/29 at noon ET and closes on Thursday, 7/2. Vote totals reset.
Shohei Ohtani earned an automatic bid as the top overall vote-getter in Phase 1. pic.twitter.com/JRORrrbMCc
— MLB (@MLB) June 25, 2026
- Ben Clemens suggests that Dillon Dingler might be the best catcher in baseball.
- Some conflict emerged between Shohei Ohtani and rookie catcher Dalton Rushing that resulted in Ohtani taking over his own pitch calling. Story by Courtney Hollman.
- Karl Rasmussen dives deeper into the issues with Dalton Rushing and wonders if it’s time for the Dodgers to give him a reset.
- Tom Verducci looks at the best players under 25.
- The best and worst teams, by reputation, according to players. Story by Dennis Lin. (The Athletic subscription required.)
- Precisely the vote-leaders you would have imagined.
Ernie Clement (AL) and Shohei Ohtani (NL) received the most votes through Phase 1 of All-Star Game voting!
They both automatically qualify as 2026 All-Star Game starters! pic.twitter.com/0NSZ44lvdG
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) June 25, 2026
- The Rays pioneered The Opener, and they almost pitched a no-hitter on Wednesday while using one. Story by Joey Johnstone.
- Ryan Phillips breaks down the Rafael Devers trade one year later.
- Benjamin Burrows looks at the Yankees memorabilia ready to hit the auction market, including Aaron Judge’s debut jersey. (The Athletic subscription required.)
- Tom Verducci shares the young Tigers’ pitcher who is throwing just as many gems as Tarik Skubal.
- The Diamondbacks have activated Max Kepler after his 80-game suspension. (AP)
- Ken Rosnethal looks at which front offices are under the most scrutiny as a potential lockout looms. (The Athletic subscription required.)
- How the MLBPA responded to the newest CBA offer…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Statement on Today’s Bargaining Session pic.twitter.com/mQwC6xnpe9
— MLBPA Communications (@MLBPA_News) June 25, 2026
And tomorrow will be a better day than today, Buster. Make it so.
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