
K-State Baseball Standouts Ink MLB Free-Agent Deals
Two Kansas State Wildcats seniors have signed free-agent contracts with MLB organizations following the 2026 draft, capping a season that featured a 30‑27 record and four straight 30‑win campaigns.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Major League Baseball across Baseball, Soccer.

Two Kansas State Wildcats seniors have signed free-agent contracts with MLB organizations following the 2026 draft, capping a season that featured a 30‑27 record and four straight 30‑win campaigns.

AJ Gracia, a University of Virginia baseball graduate, agreed to a $3.997 million contract with the Atlanta Braves, $2.68 million below the $6.675 million slot value for the ninth overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft. The move, influenced by poor representation counsel, could be reversed if he ascends to the majors by 2034.

Left‑handed pitcher Logan Schmidt, drafted by the Cleveland Guardians in the second round of the 2026 MLB Draft, has decided not to sign, opting instead to pursue either LSU or a junior college, a choice that will affect his eligibility for future drafts.

Baseball’s audience is expanding through streaming and wagering, but the sport faces a generational challenge as traditional fan bases age and new viewers engage for different reasons.

Jordan Walker, a 23‑year‑old outfielder for the St. Louis Cardinals, captured the 2026 MLB All‑Star Home Run Derby with a $1 million prize, a performance that underscores a modest rise in Black participation in the league and fuels his mission to mentor the next generation of young Black players.

Jordan Walker’s historic performance at the MLB Home Run Derby is being hailed as a catalyst for a modest rise in Black participation, as the 23‑year‑old looks to mentor the next generation of talent.

A look at the players chosen in the competitive balance round A of the 2026 MLB amateur draft and the financial terms of their signing deals.

The 2026 draft's competitive balance round A set new spending records, with teams across the league committing unprecedented signing bonuses to secure emerging talent.
Despite ranking near the bottom in payroll, the Milwaukee Brewers are atop the National League Central and poised for a World Series run, thanks to scouting, analytics and a culture that maximizes talent.

Cincinnati has locked up its emerging star, Chase Burns, with a long-term contract that guarantees $15 million annually and positions the club’s rotation for sustained competitiveness.

A look at the recent draft moves involving WVU alumni, the White Sox’s current standing, and the influx of young talent heading to professional baseball.

Kevin Roberts Jr., a standout baseball player from Jackson Prep, has signed a $1 million contract with the Baltimore Orioles, becoming the latest in a series of Mississippi alumni to bypass college and go straight to the pros.

Reps. Andrea Verobish and Senator Judy Ward announced federal funding to refurbish the Altoona Curve’s stadium, targeting surface, irrigation and drainage upgrades.

Caden Sivrich, a standout from Norwin High, signed with the Athletics on July 20, turning down a Pitt offer to chase a professional baseball career.

The Irvine City Council is weighing a deal with Innovation Baseball Partners to launch a minor league team at the Great Park Championship Baseball Stadium, promising affordable family entertainment, community programs and new economic benefits.

Pete Alonso, a former Florida standout, is in his eighth MLB season with the Baltimore Orioles, posting a .249 average, .809 OPS and 21 home runs in 2026 while helping the team chase a postseason berth.

As the trade deadline nears, major league clubs weigh blockbuster deals, All‑Star performances shine, and the Hall of Fame readies for a record‑breaking induction ceremony.

Former Florida State pitcher Bryson Moore signs with the Pittsburgh Pirates, joining a rotation that already includes Wes Mendes and Trey Beard.

MLB’s highest‑paid player Juan Soto appears in a cameo for the romantic comedy 'The Catch', directed by Dave McCary and produced by Universal Pictures, with a star‑studded cast including Emma Stone, Chris Pine, Tim Robbins and Sissy Spacek.

Deere & Co., the iconic equipment manufacturer, is set to serve as the presenting sponsor for the upcoming Major League Baseball game at the Field of Dreams in Dyersville, Iowa, on August 13. The matchup will pit the Minnesota Twins against the Philadelphia Phillies in a celebration that blends America’s pastime with the heartland’s agricultural heritage.

Julian Garcia's debut with the Cincinnati Reds marks a milestone for Metropolitan State University of Denver baseball, showcasing a career built on resilience and hard‑won opportunities.

The first professional softball game to air on network television marks a milestone for the Athletes Unlimited Softball League, driven by new investors, a growing audience, and the leadership of commissioner Kim Ng.

Colin Hynek has agreed to a free-agent contract with the Chicago Cubs, positioning him for a debut in the minor leagues and a possible future alongside Michael Busch at Wrigley Field.

Ted Williams’ 1966 Hall of Fame speech broke new ground by demanding recognition for Negro League stars, a stance that reshaped baseball’s legacy and sparked political reverberations.