Daily Double Play: Your MLB Update

## All-Star Game Recap: NL Tops AL 7–6 in Historic Swing-Off
In a stunning conclusion to the 95th Midsummer Classic at Truist Park on July 15, 2025, the National League secured a 7–6 victory over the American League in the first All-Star Game ever decided by a home-run swing-off. After nine innings ended in a 6–6 deadlock—the largest comeback in All-Star history, as the AL rallied from a 6–0 deficit to tie in the ninth—the game moved to the swing-off tiebreaker introduced under the current collective bargaining agreement. Each league selected three sluggers for three swings apiece, with the Senior Circuit prevailing 4–3 in homers, culminating in Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber’s three perfect blasts earning him Ted Williams MVP honors. ([mlb.com](https://www.mlb.com/news/nl-wins-2025-mlb-all-star-game-decided-by-derby-like-swing-off))

## Game Progression and Key Plays
The NL jumped to a quick 2–0 lead in the bottom of the first when Ketel Marte doubled home a pair of runs off American League starter Tarik Skubal, and extended that lead to 6–0 in the sixth inning. Mets first baseman Pete Alonso crushed a three-run homer—his first All-Star dinger since David Wright in 2006—followed immediately by Corbin Carroll’s solo shot to make it 6–0 ([mlb.com](https://www.mlb.com/stories/game/778566), [mlb.com](https://www.mlb.com/news/nl-wins-2025-mlb-all-star-game-decided-by-derby-like-swing-off)). The AL fought back vigorously: in the top of the seventh, Oakland’s Brent Rooker drilled a three-run homer off Randy Rodríguez, and Bobby Witt Jr. added an RBI groundout to cut the deficit to 6–4. In the ninth, Twins outfielder Byron Buxton and Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. delivered back-to-back doubles off Padres reliever Robert Suárez, and Guardians rookie Steven Kwan legged out an infield single against Edwin Díaz to knot the score at 6–6, setting the stage for the unprecedented swing-off. ([mlb.com](https://www.mlb.com/news/nl-wins-2025-mlb-all-star-game-decided-by-derby-like-swing-off))

## The Swing-Off: A Derby-Style Finale
With the game tied, AL manager Aaron Boone and NL skipper Dave Roberts each named three batters for the derby-style tiebreaker. The NL’s trio of Kyle Stowers (1 HR), MVP Kyle Schwarber (3 HR) and Pete Alonso (did not bat due to the NL clinching early) out-homered the AL’s Brent Rooker (2), Randy Arozarena (1) and Jonathan Aranda (0). Schwarber’s perfect night in the tiebreaker—crowd-pleasing blasts that sailed deep into the Atlanta night—sealed the NL’s 7–6 win and gave Schwarber the Ted Williams All-Star MVP presented by Chevrolet. “When that last one goes over, they were all pumped,” Schwarber said. ([mlb.com](https://www.mlb.com/news/nl-wins-2025-mlb-all-star-game-decided-by-derby-like-swing-off))

## Innovations and Traditions on Display
This year’s All-Star Game blended new technology and nostalgic touches. For the first time, the automated ball-strike (ABS) challenge system was used, resulting in three overturned calls and a glimpse of what could be standard across MLB as early as 2026. Mic’d-up players and pitchers provided unprecedented audio access, and veterans like Clayton Kershaw—selected as Commissioner Manfred’s “Legend Pick” for an 11th nod—showcased signature pitches like his trademark curveball. The game also honored Hank Aaron’s historic 715th homer, complete with pyrotechnics replicating the legendary blast. On the field, Pirates phenom Paul Skenes set the tone with a 1–2–3 first inning, while future Hall of Famers and rising stars mingled in a classic yet forward-looking midsummer celebration. ([mlb.com](https://www.mlb.com/news/nl-wins-2025-mlb-all-star-game-decided-by-derby-like-swing-off))

## Trade Deadline Outlook: Yankees and Boston Lead Conversations
As All-Star festivities concluded, attention turned to the looming July 31 trade deadline. The Boston Red Sox, fresh off a season-best eight games over .500 and a ten-game win streak, are expected to be aggressive buyers rather than sellers. According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan on The Pat McAfee Show, Boston will hold onto key veterans Aroldis Chapman and Alex Bregman and instead seek a second starter to complement Garrett Crochet, Brayan Bello and Lucas Giolito, aiming to solidify their rotation for a postseason push ([boston.com](https://www.boston.com/sports/boston-red-sox/2025/07/14/boston-red-sox-world-series-ken-rosenthal-mlb-baseball-jeff-passan-trade-deadline/?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [lastwordonsports.com](https://lastwordonsports.com/baseball/2025/07/14/passan-red-sox-will-be-buyers-trade-deadline/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)). Meanwhile, teams like the New York Yankees are rumored to target positional upgrades, with names such as Ryan McMahon and Eugenio Suárez surfacing in trade talks. ([sbnation.com](https://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2025/7/14/24463873/mlb-trade-deadline-2025-players-to-watch?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

## Potential Sellers: White Sox, Pirates and Orioles in Focus
Sell-mode discussions are also heating up across the league. Chicago White Sox All-Star rookie Shane Smith, a Rule 5 pick turned 17-game starter with a 4.20 ERA and 76 strikeouts in 83⅔ innings, is drawing interest as teams seek cost-controlled pitching help ([yardbarker.com](https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/report_white_sox_could_trade_all_star_pitcher_before_deadline/s1_17615_42426751?utm_source=chatgpt.com)). The Pittsburgh Pirates, flush with tradable assets—including Mitch Keller (13 quality starts) and David Bednar—are widely viewed as prime candidates to initiate a fire sale to restock their farm system. Similarly, the Baltimore Orioles, sitting four games under .500 in a tight AL East, could part with veterans like Ryan O’Hearn, Cedric Mullins and possibly closer Félix Bautista to accelerate a retooling phase. ([baseballrumors.me](https://www.baseballrumors.me/2025/07/mlb-trade-deadline-2025-top-active-teams.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

## Cubs Face Future Free-Agent Risks Amid Trade Talk
Amid broader deadline chatter, Ken Rosenthal warns the Chicago Cubs that inaction could lead to losing a wave of homegrown talent to free agency after 2026, including Kyle Tucker, Seiya Suzuki, Nico Hoerner, Jameson Taillon and Matt Boyd—players who collectively accounted for 37% of the Cubs’ fWAR as of early July. Rosenthal suggests that trading high-value pieces now could prevent a mass exodus next winter, underscoring the urgency for Chicago’s front office to weigh contenders’ immediate needs against long-term stability. ([clutchpoints.com](https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/chicago-cubs/cubs-rumors-ken-rosenthal-kyle-tucker-trade-deadline?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

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With the All-Star break concluded and regular-season action set to resume July 17, MLB headlines will quickly shift from midseason showcases to pennant-race drama and deadline maneuvers. As clubs finalize their strategies, fans can expect a flurry of trades, fresh storylines and renewed divisional battles in the summer’s second half.