A recent study by an N.C. State University economist has positioned Raleigh, North Carolina, ahead of Charlotte in the race for a future Major League Baseball franchise. With MLB contemplating the addition of two new teams, both cities have been considered viable candidates. Economist Mike Walden highlighted Raleigh's advantages, including a perceived ownership group and ongoing discussions about potential stadium locations. The study also noted the economic benefits a franchise could bring, though it acknowledged that intangible factors like civic pride and quality of life impacts are harder to measure. Raleigh's city leaders have shown growing interest in constructing a downtown sports stadium in recent years, further boosting 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 , attracting around 600 women from 10 countries. Among the participants was Mo'ne Davis, the former Little League World Series star, who made her return to competitive play after five years. The event marked a pivotal moment for women in baseball, bridging past trailblazers with a new generation of aspiring professionals. Participants ranged from 17 to 57 years old and 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, 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. Though 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.

The Milwaukee Brewers have placed their starting shortstop, Joey Ortiz, on the 10-day injured list due to a strained left hamstring. Ortiz sustained the injury while running out a ground ball during Thursday's 4-1 win over the Chicago Cubs. He had recently found his form, batting .343 over his last 20 games and improving his season average to .233 with 43 RBIs. Andruw Monasterio is expected to step in for Ortiz, bringing a .254 average in 43 games. In a corresponding move, outfielder Jake Bauers was activated from the injured list after recovering from a left shoulder impingement. Bauers has hit .197 with five home runs and 18 RBIs across 59 games this season. Additionally, outfielder Jackson Chourio will start a rehab assignment at Triple-A Nashville following a right hamstring strain suffered in July. Chourio, in his second season, is hitting .276 with 17 home runs, 67 RBIs, and 18 stolen bases over 106 games.

Baltimore Orioles top prospect Samuel Basallo has agreed to an eight-year, $67 million contract extension, as reported by multiple media outlets. Basallo, who recently turned 21 and made his major league debut just days later, 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.

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.

ESPN and Major League Baseball have reached a preliminary media rights agreement granting ESPN exclusive rights to sell out-of-market regular-season games for the next three years. The deal, reported by The Athletic, also includes rights to in-market games for five teams: the Arizona Diamondbacks, Cleveland Guardians, Colorado Rockies, San Diego Padres, and Minnesota Twins. While not yet finalized, the agreement is anticipated to be completed no earlier than next month. Financial terms have not been disclosed but are expected to be substantial. As part of the new agreement, ESPN would relinquish rights to "Sunday Night Baseball," shifting its exclusive primetime coverage to another night of the week. The network would continue to broadcast around 30 regular-season games each year. This move follows another reported deal where ESPN would acquire NFL Network properties in return for a 10% stake in its company. ESPN had previously opted out of its existing $550 million-per-year deal with MLB, which covered "Sunday Night Baseball" and select playoff and Home Run Derby rights. The new agreement, if finalized, will take effect next season.