Nolan Arenado has claimed MLB's Electric Play of the Week for his stunning bare-handed play against the Chicago Cubs, decisively ending the game with a throw to first base. This remarkable effort preserved a crucial victory for the St. Louis Cardinals, showcasing Arenado's elite defensive skills as a 10-time Gold Glove winner. Following the play, Arenado expressed his excitement about the team's performance and the competitive nature of the series against the Cubs, highlighting his desire for team success and a championship.

This win marks Arenado's second Electric Play of the Week award and interrupts a four-week streak held by Denzel Clarke of the Athletics. The Cardinals are gearing up to maintain their momentum and build on this victory as they face off against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The St. Louis Cardinals face off against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park, with Andre Pallante set to pitch for the Cardinals and Paul Skenes on the mound for the Pirates. After a shutout loss where the Pirates triumphed 7-0, St. Louis is still leading the series 3-1. Pittsburgh is riding a four-game winning streak, showcasing a powerful offense that has scored at least seven runs in each of those games.

Despite Skenes’ previous struggles against the Cardinals, both teams are looking to capitalize on their recent form. The latest betting odds favor the Pirates at -166 on the moneyline, with a total set at 7 runs. Experts suggest taking a look at the Cardinals at +1.5 for a spread bet. Get ready for an exciting matchup with plenty of action!

New users at Caesars Sportsbook can take advantage of the latest promo code CBSDYW, enabling them to double their winnings tenfold through 100% profit boost tokens after just a $1 wager on July 1. This promotional offer coincides with a full MLB slate, highlighted by Paul Skenes pitching for the Pittsburgh Pirates against the St. Louis Cardinals at 6:40 p.m. ET. Following a commanding three-game sweep over the Mets, the Pirates are looking to carry that momentum into this matchup. Skenes, boasting a 2.12 ERA and 0.91 WHIP, hopes for more offensive support from his lineup. In addition to MLB action, sports bettors can also bet on Club World Cup matches, including a clash between Real Madrid and Juventus.

Bobby Bonilla Day resonates with baseball fans, particularly those of the New York Mets, as it marks a day where the franchise pays a retired player over a million dollars annually until 2035. This repartee extends beyond Bonilla, as numerous current players are also set to receive deferred payments worth millions. Among them is Shohei Ohtani, who will cash in a staggering $680 million, showcasing the trend of deferred contracts in Major League Baseball.

Rafael Devers, now a San Francisco Giant, will start receiving payments from 2034 until 2043, while Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman are also primed for significant payouts post-retirement. The Los Angeles Dodgers are known for their deferred payments to former players, creating a culture where such contracts are commonplace. The Mets' Francisco Lindor and Edwin Diaz will also see deferred payments, solidifying the notion that deferred money is a lucrative part of MLB contracts.

As the 2025 MLB draft approaches, Eli Willits and Ethan Holliday are two standout prospects, both coming from baseball lineage. Eli, son of former Los Angeles Angels player Reggie Willits, recently showcased his skills at an Angels workout, where his father not only played but also shared cherished memories of childhood practices. With the Angels holding the second pick, Eli positions himself as a potential early selection in a strong draft class.

Ethan Holliday, born in the same year his father, Matt, earned MVP honors with the Rockies, has also been making waves. With both young athletes hailing from Oklahoma, they have formed a bond through their shared experiences in baseball. Scouts have noted their strong work ethic and determination, emphasizing the importance of family guidance as they navigate the elite levels of the sport.