Clayton Kershaw has earned his 11th All-Star selection, marking him as the oldest NL All-Star at 37, joined by a host of young talent including 22-year-old James Wood, who is the youngest of this year's All-Stars, and fellow 23-year-olds Paul Skenes and Elly De La Cruz. Kershaw's participation continues the Dodgers' streak of at least five All-Stars for the sixth consecutive season. Other notable selections include Texas Rangers’ Jacob deGrom and fan favorites such as Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman.

De La Cruz’s recent surge highlights a bright future for MLB, with numerous first-time All-Stars like Cal Raleigh and Yoshinobu Yamamoto joining the roster. The All-Star Game promises to showcase a blend of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, with Kershaw leading the way as a Legend Pick, a testament to his enduring excellence in the sport.

Jacob deGrom's return to form has been a beacon of hope for the Texas Rangers this season as he earns a spot on the American League All-Star team, marking his first full season healthy since joining the team. The two-time Cy Young Award winner boasts impressive statistics, including a 2.13 ERA and a 0.89 WHIP, placing him among the league's elite pitchers. His recent performance includes a remarkable streak of 14 consecutive starts with five innings pitched and two or fewer runs.

The Rangers, despite struggles in their offense, have managed to keep their postseason aspirations alive, significantly due to deGrom's contributions on the mound. His addition to the roster was aimed at anchoring the pitching staff, and he has lived up to expectations after a challenging prior season. However, with the team currently ranking low in batting metrics, including average and on-base percentage, questions arise about their overall effectiveness heading into the All-Star break.

The New York Yankees have traded catcher Alex Jackson to the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for international bonus pool money and potentially cash or a player yet to be named. While this move seems minor, it highlights the Yankees' remarkable ability to develop catchers who later excel with other teams. Jackson, who previously was in the Yankees’ system but did not emerge as a regular, has worked under catching coordinator Tanner Swanson, who has successfully molded players like Jose Trevino and Kyle Higashioka into significant contributors.

This trade adds to a growing list of former Yankees catchers thriving in the league, with Trevino now starting for the Cincinnati Reds and Higashioka maintaining a steady role with the Texas Rangers. Luis Torrens has secured a position with the Mets and is known for his impressive caught-stealing rate and solid framing. Even Red Sox manager Alex Cora has acknowledged that the Yankees excel in producing quality catchers. Swanson’s techniques have transformed several players, demonstrating how the Yankees cultivate talent, even if they do not stay in New York.

This week’s analysis of American League free agents reveals a mix of potential breakout candidates and underwhelming options. Joe Boyle, a promising starting pitcher for the Rays, has showcased elite strikeout potential with a stellar Triple-A ERA and could be a valuable asset if he secures a spot in the rotation. Meanwhile, Joey Cantillo from the Guardians is stepping into a rotation void and could provide quick dividends with favorable matchups. However, veteran Dietrich Enns may be on thin ice following a poor outing, raising concerns about his long-term viability.

Among hitters, Jake Burger is re-establishing himself in the Rangers' lineup, while Brooks Baldwin of the White Sox could gain increased playing time due to injuries. Notable mentions also include rookie prospects like Wyatt Langford, who holds high expectations among fantasy enthusiasts. Bidding strategies reflect these players' potential impacts, with estimated auction values ranging from $1 to $15 across various league formats.

The Chicago Cubs are set to face the St. Louis Cardinals in a pivotal Sunday Night Baseball matchup, looking to secure a series victory. After dominating the opener with an 11-3 win, the Cubs are coming off a narrow defeat in Game 2. With a strong lead over their division rivals, Chicago is favored at -209 for this rubber match. Right-hander Erick Fedde, who has not won since May, is on the mound for St. Louis, while the Cubs will counter with Matthew Boyd, who has been in excellent form.

In the other game of the doubleheader, the San Diego Padres host the Texas Rangers, each team aiming to win the series after splitting the first two games. The Padres edged the Rangers in a thrilling 10-inning game, but Texas rebounded with a strong performance in Game 2. Jack Leiter, struggling to find his footing with three losses in his last five starts, will pitch for the Rangers, while the Padres have yet to announce their starting pitcher.