This week we saw the Midsummer Classic take place in Atlanta, with the NL finally claiming victory in an unprecedented tie-game decision maker that was a first-ever home run competition to determine a winner. This received a little flak from viewers and fans because none of the big-name sluggers like Aaron Judge or Shohei Ohtani participated. In fact, they had already left the park.

We’ve got that and more in today’s news, so let’s get right into it.

Detroit Tigers News:

The Tigers were looking fancy on the All-Star Game red carpet.

A year ago, Flaherty was a trade piece to get Trey Sweeney and prospect Thayron Liranzo into the system back when the Tigers were sellers. This time, Flaherty isn’t going anywhere, not with a chance at a second straight World Series ring. But the Tigers need to get him out of an inconsistent stretch and back in front-line form to best set up their four-man postseason rotation.

In the past, clubs had a night to figure out how much money they could use in Rounds 11-20, when only the overage on bonuses above $150,000 count against the pool. This year, they had an hour break. Detroit seems to believe it can find space for Hamilton, the 99th-ranked player on MLB Pipeline’s Top 250. The Oregon prep right-hander, who has an LSU commitment, is projectable at 6-foot-3, is already up to the mid-90s with his fastball and shows the makings of a solid slider and changeup.

AL Central News:

MLB News:

Oh Im Cal Raleigh. I hit a lot of home runs. I hit from both sides of the plate. I play the most valuable position. I have one of the coolest nicknames in sports. Screw you man

— Vinnie Pasquantino (@VPasquantino) July 15, 2025

Nice gesture from the Rangers.

@JeffPassan tweeted
Cool gesture: The Texas Rangers gave starter Nathan Eovaldi the $100,000 All-Star bonus in his contract even though he didn’t make the American League team. Eovaldi has been brilliant this season, posting a 1.58 ERA over 91 innings. He’s one of the most respected players in MLB.

— Passanthallich (@passanthalbot.bsky.social) 2025-07-16T17:11:00.438850+00:00