A recent study by an N.C. State University economist has positioned Raleigh ahead of Charlotte in the competition for a future Major League Baseball franchise. As MLB considers expanding by two teams, both North Carolina cities have emerged as strong contenders. Economist Mike Walden's analysis highlights Raleigh's perceived advantage, citing the presence of a potential ownership group and ongoing discussions about stadium locations. While the study acknowledges the economic benefits a franchise could bring, it also notes that intangible factors like civic pride and quality of life impacts are more challenging to quantify. In recent years, Raleigh's city leaders have shown increasing interest in constructing a downtown sports stadium, further bolstering the city's prospects.

In a significant development for women's baseball, the Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy hosted tryouts for the upcoming Women's Pro Baseball League . The event attracted approximately 600 women from 10 countries, including Mo'ne Davis, the former Little League World Series star, who made her return to competitive play after five years. Participants, ranging from 17 to 57 years old, included national team players and amateurs transitioning from softball. The four-day event featured drills, bullpen sessions, and concluded with a game at the Nationals' stadium. WPBL co-founder Justine Siegal emphasized the historic significance of the event, while past stars like Tamara Holmes and current signees like Ayami Sato supported attendees. For players like Allison Dougherty and Heather Strong, this opportunity represented a chance to pursue long-forbidden baseball dreams, as they had been previously funneled into softball. Although many may not make final rosters, the tryout was widely seen as a milestone moment in the fight for professional opportunities for women in baseball.

In contract news, Baltimore Orioles top prospect Samuel Basallo has agreed to an eight-year, $67 million contract extension. The 21-year-old catcher, who recently made his major league debut, is regarded as the No. 8 overall prospect in baseball by MLB Pipeline. In his first four games at the major league level, Basallo has posted a .286 batting average with one double, five RBIs, and one run. Originally signed in January 2021 from the Dominican Republic for a franchise-record $1.3 million international bonus, Basallo played 401 minor league games, achieving a .283 batting average with 73 home runs and 269 RBIs. This season at Triple-A Norfolk, he hit 23 home runs, 67 RBIs, and maintained a .270 average over 76 games.

The Baltimore Orioles have placed infielder Jordan Westburg and pitcher Brandon Young on the injured list, contributing to a season plagued by injuries. Westburg, hitting .276 with a team-high 15 home runs and 34 RBIs, reenters the 10-day IL with a right ankle sprain suffered while running bases on August 18. This follows an earlier stint on the IL with a hamstring strain. Young, who nearly pitched a perfect game on August 15, was put on the 15-day IL with a left hamstring strain incurred during a game against the Astros where he allowed seven earned runs. In response, the Orioles brought up infielder Vimael Machin and pitcher Matt Bowman from Triple-A Norfolk. Bowman, a 10-year veteran, has a 5.79 ERA in 23 1/3 innings this season, while Machin, who last played in the majors in 2022, leads Norfolk with 15 home runs and 70 RBIs. If Machin plays, he will become the 63rd player used by Baltimore in 2025, setting a team record.

Baseball legends Dusty Baker and Sammy Sosa have voiced concern over a potential labor dispute between Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association, warning that a lockout or strike could derail the sport’s recent growth. The current collective bargaining agreement expires on December 1, 2026, and tensions are rising as team owners consider a salary cap—a concept strongly opposed by players. Baker emphasized that past lockouts and strikes have rarely yielded positive outcomes, urging a peaceful resolution. Sosa agreed, expressing optimism that both sides have enough time to reach a deal, though he also dismissed the idea of implementing a salary cap. Their comments come amid record financial success for MLB, which reached $12.1 billion in revenue in 2024 thanks to increased media deals, sponsorships, and attendance. The issue has also sparked confrontations at the league level, such as one between Phillies player Bryce Harper and Commissioner Rob Manfred.