Byron Buxton stands as the top All-Star contender for the Minnesota Twins, particularly with the game set in his home state of Georgia. Manager Rocco Baldelli believes Buxton's contributions make him a likely selection. Beyond Buxton, pitcher Joe Ryan has expressed optimism about his chances, boasting impressive statistics in the first half of the season. Ryan's ERA and strikeout rates put him at the forefront, even as he acknowledges the unpredictable nature of All-Star selections.

Other potential candidates include Jhoan Duran, who earned Relief Pitcher of the Month honors in May, and teammates Griffin Jax and Willi Castro, who have both shown promise. Meanwhile, Ty France of the Mariners recalls his surprising All-Star selection in 2022, highlighting the emotional rollercoaster that accompanies such honors. The Twins will finalize their All-Star nominations on Sunday, hoping for more than one representative this year.

James Wood, the rising outfielder for the Washington Nationals, has officially announced his participation in the upcoming Home Run Derby, scheduled for July 14 at Truist Park, Atlanta. Joining him are MLB stars Ronald Acuña Jr. of the Atlanta Braves and Cal Raleigh from the Seattle Mariners, who leads the league with 33 home runs. Wood has made a significant impact this season with 22 home runs, including 12 that have surpassed 110 mph in exit velocity, ranking second in the league behind Shohei Ohtani.

At just 22 years old, Wood is making history as the third Nationals player to compete in the Derby, following in the footsteps of Juan Soto and Bryce Harper. Notably, he has demonstrated impressive power by hitting four home runs that traveled over 445 feet, showcasing his potential as a future star.

The Seattle Mariners currently sit 2.5 games ahead of the Texas Rangers for the third Wild Card spot in the AL, despite a lackluster offensive performance. Cal Raleigh's impressive early season has shifted the team's dynamics, making it essential for the Mariners to seek upgrades, particularly at third base where Ben Williamson has underperformed. With trade rumors swirling around Alex Bregman of the Boston Red Sox, Seattle looks like a potentially ideal landing spot. The proposed trade involving Luis Castillo and Michael Arroyo could position the Mariners as serious contenders.

The Seattle Mariners are currently embroiled in a significant gambling investigation by Major League Baseball, sparked by incidents involving Guardians pitcher Luis Ortiz. On June 15, during a game against the Mariners, Ortiz's first pitch in the bottom of the second inning was flagged for its notable betting activity, which saw wagers placed on whether it would be a ball or hit batsman. The pitch was a slider that missed the strike zone markedly, leading to alerts from a betting-integrity firm.

This type of betting, known as microbetting, is increasingly popular, especially in states like Ohio, New York, and New Jersey, where betting on specific outcomes such as first pitches is permitted. Further scrutiny has been placed on Ortiz following another similar incident on June 27 against the St. Louis Cardinals. As a precautionary measure during the investigation, Ortiz has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave through the All-Star Break.

The Boston Red Sox remain in the playoff chase, but their postseason fate hinges on their performance in the coming weeks. If they falter, a shift to a seller's mentality may occur as the July 31 trade deadline approaches. Aroldis Chapman, currently thriving with a 1.29 ERA and 15 saves, is likely to draw interest from contenders seeking a reliable bullpen arm. One potential trade partner could be the Seattle Mariners, who could utilize both Chapman and their current closer, Andrés Muñoz, to strengthen their bullpen.

With Muñoz already performing well, adding Chapman would provide the Mariners with a formidable one-two punch in late-game situations. Both pitchers have proven track records, and a deal could enhance Seattle's chances of returning to the playoffs after a lengthy absence. The Red Sox's approach to the trade deadline will reveal how they assess their season and the future of players like Chapman.