MLB team owners have made another sweeping labor proposal, this time seeking to dramatically change how most player contracts operate in a new bid that is unlikely to become reality.

Among the key terms that management offered to the MLB Players Association during a Thursday bargaining session focused primarily on the reserve system:

• A maximum contract length of five years for all free-agent players switching teams, and six years for those staying with their existing teams, as well as an end to all contract deferrals. Those measures would make it impossible for any future deals like the historic 15-year, $765 million pact Juan Soto signed with the Mets in late 2024, and the 10-year, $700 million contract Shohei Ohtani signed with the Dodgers in late 2023 that defers all but $20 million of the money. 
• A $202 million limit on free-agent deals for players switching teams, representing 15% of a team’s annual salary cap. That overall contract number would mark a significant rollback in current salary trends, as there are more than two dozen current player deals in excess of that, and four that more than double it. The maximum contract value for a free agent staying with his current team is $265 million over six years. 
• An elimination of the qualifying offer that provides draft-pick compensation to teams losing top free agents. The union has sought to end this.
• An increase in minimum salaries to $900,000 for players with one year of service time or less, up from the current $780,000. The minimum for those with at least two years of service time would rise to $1 million. 
• A limit of 12 years and $500 million for any contract extension for a player not yet a free agent. That 12-year limit, however, would only apply to rookies, with that maximum contract length decreasing with every subsequent year of service time.
  

“Today, in addition to proposing the largest-ever increase in the minimum salary, earned by over half of MLB players, we accepted two landmark changes to free agency that have been in place for 50 years,” said MLB spokesman Glen Caplin. “We agreed to both the MLBPA’s proposal to provide earlier access to free agency, and their proposal to eliminate the qualifying offer system, a provision players view as a drag on free agency.”

All of this, however, would be expressly contingent on players accepting management’s recent proposal for a salary cap—something they are vehemently against. 

Not surprisingly, the union immediately rejected the latest bid.

“The overall drag on player compensation here dramatically outweighs the benefits suggested here,” said MLBPA interim executive director Bruce Meyer on Thursday afternoon. “Some of the suggested benefits are of no benefit or value at all in a cap system. … In a cap system, it’s a zero-sum game, and it’s just moving money around.”

A Divided Negotiation

The latest labor talks follow a series of sessions in which players and owners have been deeply split on nearly every other core issue discussed so far. 

Owners helped lead off the negotiations by making the salary cap proposal, something that was long expected but nonetheless had not been formally broached in the sport for more than three decades. Players, as vehemently opposed to a cap at any point in the union’s six-decade history, instead are seeking widespread increases in minimum salaries and enhanced player eligibility for free agency. 

Those MLB team owners, however, did agree to allow players aged 30 or older with five years of service time to become free agents—in line with a union proposal—but did so in conjunction with a salary cap.

More recently, management also presented a proposal that would dramatically reshape how and when amateur players enter professional baseball. Among the widely rebuked elements of the offer were making U.S.-born teenage players ineligible for entry and offloading a sizable portion of the league’s player development functions to college baseball. 

The existing labor agreement between MLB and the MLBPA expires Dec. 1, and a real risk of losing games won’t become truly palpable until early next year. As a result, the current talks are still rather at a preliminary stage in which each side is detailing its intended vision for the sport’s future, and the two camps have not yet reached a stage of truly negotiated tradeoffs. 

“What’s being proposed now is really illusory given it’s all in the context of a cap,” Meyer said.

Meanwhile, these talks have already been marked by a much greater level of public discussion compared to prior rounds. During the latter part of Bud Selig’s tenure as commissioner in particular, he actively sought to tamp down public discourse about labor negotiations as much as possible. 

That’s fundamentally changed this time, though, as an accelerating spending gap between large- and small-revenue teams, and how best to address it, is forcing a much more open discourse.

“The biggest issue baseball fans want solved to strengthen the game is fixing the payroll disparity that leaves too many fans without hope of their team competing for a World Series title,” Caplin said.

The post MLB Owners Escalate Labor Fight With New Contract Proposal  appeared first on Front Office Sports.

The love for baseball remained, but Joe Gustavson could no longer deny reality — or his growing passion for the sport where he was emerging as a superstar.

Track was his future.

“Since fifth grade I had been playing and training for baseball in the winter, spring, and summer,” he said. “But this winter (in indoor track) I hit a nine-second improvement and school record in the 600-meter, a 13-second improvement and school record in the 1,000-meter, and on one of my first few times running the 800, I finish 13th at New Balance Indoor Nationals. These accomplishments shifted my attention to track instead of baseball.”

That sport switch has paid off in championship — and record-setting — fashion for the Pinkerton junior.

In his debut spring track season, Gustavson took home the New England title in the 800 (1:53.36), the second Astro male to achieve that feat in a running event.

“To be New England champion is amazing,” he said. “I’ve been thinking about the opportunity since the end of the indoor season. I understood it was a large goal and would not be easy to accomplish. Every day in outdoor track my efforts were directed to this title. It’s an honor to be the second boys New England champion as a runner for Pinkerton and I’m beyond excited to have achieved this large goal.”

That after he delivered a thoroughly dominant run through the Granite State the spring.

A week earlier, Gustavson won the New Hampshire Meet of Champions title in an Eagle-Tribune area record 1:52.23, breaking the previous mark set by Phillips Academy great Alex Fleury (1:52.43 in 2019), a North Andover resident who went on to run for Harvard.

Gustavson also won the N.H. Division I title (1:53.42) and anchored the 4x400 relay that won titles at Division Is (3:27.14), Meet of Champions (3:21.05) and the Clipper Relays (3:22.17).

That followed a winter where he scored the 600-meter title at Division Is (PR 1:21.31), placed third at New Englands (1:21.44), took 13th at Nationals in the 800 (1:52.53), ran a 2:32.76 in the 1,000 and also took Division I titles in the 4x400 (3:32.18) and the 4x800 (8:10.88).

And it was that success that led to the sport switch this spring.

“It was a tough decision that was on my mind from the beginning of cross country and through the indoor season,” he said. “I just loved the atmosphere of the track team. It’s very different, and I really enjoy being around them. And I was having so much success in track.”

Gustavson first went out for indoor track and cross country as a freshman, but it was in the winter of his sophomore year when he found the events that fit him perfectly, helping the 4x800 team to the Division I title.

“At the start of my sophomore year, my coach asked me what I wanted to race one day,” he remembered. “I said the 600-meter, and both of my coaches were shocked that I wanted to run a middle distance event. I only ran the 600 maybe twice, but it set me up to be the main 600 runner this year. I enjoy middle distance races because it includes speed, strategy, as well as endurance. With all three of these being in one race, it creates some of the hardest events to run with a chance to show off speed, endurance and grit.

“I also enjoy the thrill and importance of being an anchor on relays. Knowing that I’m the person that the team can rely on to hold a lead or gain more positions is a great feeling. I enjoy the thrill of having an unexpected position in a race and having to make a plan on the spot on how to perform.”

And he isn’t quite done yet. Gustavson will run at Nike Outdoor Nationals this weekend at the legendary Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon.

“I’ve really excited,” he said. “One of my other big goals was to run 1:50 or even under in the 800, but I haven’t accomplished that yet. I’m excited to see what Nike Outdoor Nationals will bring me.”

TWITTER: DWillisET

The American League is wide open. Yes, the Toronto Blue Jays are 9.5 games out of first place in the American League East, and it doesn’t look like they will catch the New York Yankees, but that doesn’t really matter. Despite being 39-41, the Blue Jays are currently locked into the third and final Wild Card spot. That means, if the season ended today, Toronto would make the playoffs with a .488 winning percentage. However, there are five teams within two games of them, so it’s certainly not the time to rest on their laurels. Instead, the Blue Jays need to push forward, so let’s take a look at three trades they should make at the MLB trade deadline.

RELATED: MLB Insider Joel Sherman names 4 Yankees who could be traded at the deadline

Aroldis Chapman, RP

Jeff Hoffman hasn’t been the answer in the closer role for Toronto, and I’m not sure he recovered from the World Series home run he allowed last year. His early-season struggles relegated the right-hander to a setup role, and Louis Varland has stepped up. He’s already up to 16 saves on the season, and his 0.84 ERA really can’t get much better. However, he also has no prior closing experience before this season.

With the Blue Jays not being able to truly count on Hoffman, more depth and experience is needed. The Boston Red Sox aren’t going anywhere this season, and Chapman could be just what the Blue Jays need to lock down the late innings. With 12.05 strikeouts, 14 saves, and a 2.08 ERA this season, the left-hander hasn’t lost a step.

Robbie Ray, SP

It’s clear that Toronto can’t rely on Max Scherzer, so by that thought process, do they want to rely on Patrick Corbin and the health of Shane Bieber?

Instead, the Blue Jays should look to San Francisco for Ray. The left-hander is having another strong season with six wins in 15 starts and a 3.70 ERA. However, he’s also an impending free agent, and the Giants are looking to maximize their assets.

Ray is a former Blue Jay who excelled when pitching in Toronto, winning the 2021 Cy Young award.

Luis Arraez, 2B

Arraez doesn’t overwhelm with speed or power, but the man can hit. He can also play both first and second base, and he’s on the trade market with an expected return that shouldn’t be too prohibitive.

He can get Vladimir Guerrero off his feet and into the DH role while also allowing Ernie Clement to shift across the field in more of a super utility role. Why wouldn’t anyone want a player who is currently hitting .321 with 40 runs scored?

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When the New York Yankees entered the 2026 MLB season, few people expected veteran first baseman Paul Goldschmidt to become one of the club’s most important offensive contributors. Yet here we are. Despite spending nearly a month without superstar Aaron Judge in the lineup, the Yankees continue to own the best record in the American League while also boasting the largest run differential in the AL. A big reason for that continued success has been the resurgence of Goldy, a player many viewed as little more than a depth piece when the season began.

MORE: Yankees need to make decision on Anthony Volpe

From Bench Bat to Lineup Mainstay

Goldschmidt returned to the Yankees late in the offseason after enjoying his first season in New York in 2025. The veteran reportedly took less money to come back, fully understanding that his role was expected to be limited. At 38 years old, the former MVP wasn’t brought in to be a centerpiece of the offense.

Instead, he was viewed as an experienced bench bat who could provide leadership and occasional production when called upon. But baseball has a funny way of changing plans. With injuries hitting the Yankees throughout the season, manager Aaron Boone has been forced to lean on Goldschmidt far more than anyone anticipated. To his credit, the veteran has responded in a massive way.

Turning Back the Clock

Over the past month, Goldschmidt has been one of the hottest hitters in baseball. During that stretch, he is batting .327 with seven home runs, 13 runs scored, and 23 RBI. His full-season numbers are just as impressive.

In fewer than 200 at-bats, Goldschmidt has produced 30 runs, 14 home runs, 39 RBI, a .297 batting average, and a .355 on-base percentage. Those numbers place him among the most productive hitters in the American League and have helped stabilize a lineup that has spent weeks trying to compensate for the loss of Judge.

A Key Piece in the Yankees’ Success

What makes Goldschmidt’s season so remarkable is the context surrounding it. Most players approaching their 39th birthday are fighting simply to stay on a major league roster. Goldschmidt, meanwhile, is producing like an impact middle-of-the-order bat for a championship contender.

The Yankees expected depth when they signed him. Instead, they may have found one of the biggest bargains in baseball. And as long as Goldschmidt keeps swinging the bat this way, New York’s offense will remain one of the most dangerous units in the league, and the Yankees might have to keep him in the lineup, even when they get healthy.

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JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – Shortstop Landen Rozich joined the Johnstown Mill Rats a week ago, following his West Chester University baseball team’s amazing run to the NCAA Division II Baseball Championship final series.

Coming off a strong freshman season with the national runner-up Golden Rams, Rozich needed time to adjust to the Prospect League.

PHOTO GALLERY | Johnstown Mill Rats host Lafayette Aviators

“Last week, it was a little hard for me to get on board and I had a tough week,” Rozich said after collecting three hits, including a three-run homer and five RBIs, in the Mill Rats’ 13-9 victory over the first-place Lafayette Aviators Tuesday.

“I just gave up that (memory of) last week and just came up and swung the bat by doing a good thing and put a ball over the fence.”

Rozich’s three-run blast cleared the wall in left-center field, capping a seven-run bottom of the first inning that pumped up a Sargent’s Stadium at the Point crowd of 516.

“It means a lot for us getting back into the win column after a tough last week,” Rozich said.

“I got here last Monday and we left early Tuesday morning for the road trip. It’s hard. It’s a lot of traveling. I got used to it quick.”

Gavin Smith, Ty Marsh

Lafayette Aviators shortstop Gavin Smith (left) applies a late tag as Johnstown Mill Rats’ Ty Marsh slides safely into second base on a two-run double in the bottom of the first inning of a Prospect League game at Sargent’s Stadium at the Point in Johnstown, PA., Tuesday, June 23, 2026.

This past week, the Aviators (17-7) swept three games against visiting Johnstown (13-11).

The teams combined on 26 hits and 22 runs in Tuesday’s 3 hour, 4-minute contest. The teams meet again at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Sargent’s Stadium.

“We lost three to them last week,” said Mill Rats first baseman Caleb Smith, who had three singles and drove in three runs in Tuesday’s win.

“We knew they were coming here, and we needed to win.

“We need to win both, really.

“We stayed focused, had a little more intensity to us and it paid off.”

The Mill Rats sent 10 batters to the plate in each of the first two innings and built what appeared to be a comfortable 11-1 advantage.

Landen Rozich, Cole Kuszak

The Johnstown Mill Rats’ Landen Rozich (right) is congratulated by teammate Cole Kuszak after hitting a three-run home-run in the bottom of the first inning of a Prospect League game at Sargent’s Stadium at the Point in Johnstown, PA., Tuesday, June 23, 2026.

“We did our scouting report on the guy throwing and we knew he didn’t fill it up, so we were just diligent at the plate and stayed patient,” Smith said of Lafayette left-handed starter Tro Fellings. “Then, when it was over the plate, we just banged it.”

Rozich ripped a no-doubt, three-run homer over the wall in left-center field to cap the seven-run, first-inning barrage.

The 386-foot blast put No. 9 hitter Rozich on track for a big night, as he reached base four times. It also continued a banner year for him.

A freshman this past season, Rozich started 49 games at shortstop on a 48-win West Chester team that finished second to University of Tampa in the Division II final series in Cary, North Carolina.

He batted .266 with 15 extra-base hits, including four homers during his college season.

On the mound, Rozich went 3-1 with five saves and a 1.95 ERA in relief.

“It was awesome,” Rozich said of the World Series appearance.

“It was one of the best memories I’m going to keep. I love all those guys so much. Hopefully, we can get back there next year.”

The Mill Rats hope some of Rozich’s Golden Rams magic settles in across the state.

He had plenty of company Tuesday, as Johnstown’s Caleb Rey also had a two-run single and Smith singled in a run in the first-inning rally.

In the second, Smith hit a two-run single, and Rozich singled to drive in a run.

Brock Budacki hit a solo homer in the third inning, and the Mill Rats catcher doubled and scored on Rozich’s infield single in the fifth.

Lafayette tallied single runs in the first and fifth innings, and the Aviators posted three runs apiece in the third and seventh to close within 13-8.

Lafayette’s Zach Pelletier singled in a run in the fifth and had a run-scoring double in the seventh. Gavin Smith drove in a run with a double off the brick wall in the eighth to make it 13-9. Sage Adams had two doubles for the Aviators.

“We held on. It gives us a lot of momentum going into (Wednesday),” Caleb Smith said.

Mike Mastovich is a sports reporter and columnist for The Tribune-Democrat. He can be reached at 814-532-5083. Follow him on Twitter @Masty81.

A projected starting pitcher might be leaving the University of Hawaii baseball team.

Right-hander Brody Martin-Grudzielanek, who recently completed his freshman season with the Rainbow Warriors, confirmed he has entered the NCAA transfer portal.

“I’m just exploring my options as of now,” Martin-Grudzielanek told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. “There is a chance I come back (to UH).”

Martin-Grudzielanek was projected to be in the starting rotation, possibly as the series-opening pitcher, if he pitched for the ’Bows in 2027.

This past season, Martin-Grudzielanek was 0-5, but he pitched to a 4.02 ERA and 1.31 WHIP while averaging 8.8 strikeouts per nine innings. Left-handed batters hit .182 against Martin-Grudzielanek. His fastball topped at 97 mph.

Instead of playing summer ball, Martin-Grudzielanek opted to train this summer.

“Just lifting, as of now, and trying to gain some weight,” he said.

Of his year in Hawaii, he said, “I loved it. I feel I made a big jump in my career. I’m grateful for the opportunity Hawaii gave me. I won’t ever take that for granted. That was the best place I could have been at.”

While expressing gratitude for Martin-Grudzielanek’s contributions this past season, UH coach Rich Hill said the focus is on the “windshield and not the rear-view mirror, exclamation point.”

Right-handed pitcher Hekili Robello, who was named to the 2026 All-Big West second team, and left-hander Grant Garman have indicated they will remain with the ’Bows if they are not selected in next month’s Major League Baseball draft. Hill said the ’Bows will seek players through the portal.

“The transfer portal provides awesome opportunities for us at the University of Hawaii,” Hill said. “We have thrived in this environment in years past, and see no reason we shouldn’t do so this year. All will be revealed.”

Hill also is seeking replacements for Keith Zuniga, the associate head coach/pitching coach who accepted a position with USC, and hitting coach Dave Nakama, who is pursuing other endeavors. Connor Harrison, who was the director of pitching development, was promoted to associate position coach. Harrison, who is a candidate for pitching coach, will remain with the ’Bows no matter the outcome of the nationwide search.

“It’s an exciting time for Rainbow Warrior baseball,” Hill said. “I’m not at liberty to make any staff announcements at this time, but the fans of Hawaii are going to be pleasantly surprised. We’re reorganizing the entire staff, looking at more of a pro model that utilizes coaches’ strengths and really focuses on a lot more of the analytics side. I’m very excited about it.”

Going into the trade deadline this August, the Boston Red Sox’s front office has big decisions to make: buy, sell, or balance. The deadline comes at a pivotal point in the 2026 season. Red Sox Chief of Baseball Operations Craig Breslow approaches the job analytically, focusing on front office restructuring and a pitching-centric roster.

Some teams tend to rely on their playoff odds to determine what to do at the deadline. If their odds are below 20%, they should sell; if above 60%, they should be buyers at the deadline. Anywhere in between indicates they should balance. According to Bleacher Report, Boston’s playoff odds currently sit at 12.5%. Their playoff odds, roster construction, and long‑term goals all point toward a deadline defined by rebalancing rather than buying or selling outright.

Solving Boston’s WAR Problem

Boston currently sits at 5.5 games behind the final Wild Card Spot in the American League. They need a +2 to +3 WAR between now and the deadline. But the lineup needs a right‑handed bat who can lengthen the order. That’s where Jeremy Peña becomes one of the most logical fits on the market. Peña is exactly the type of player Boston lacks: a right‑handed hitter with postseason pedigree and defensive stability.

Peña has been “one of the Astros’ most consistent performers” and highlights how his profile remains valuable even in a down year because he “plays premium defense and doesn’t strike out much.” Yahoo Sports noted. Those traits matter for a Red Sox team that has struggled with swing‑and‑miss and infield inconsistency.

Peña also fits Boston’s timeline. He’s still under team control and offers upside without requiring the kind of prospect haul a superstar would command. Peña gives Boston a right‑handed bat, elite shortstop defense, postseason experience, and multiple years of control; all qualities the Red Sox front office has prioritized. If they want to upgrade the lineup without sacrificing the future, he’s one of the cleanest fits on the market.

Aroldis Chapman’s Deadline Value

Another name who could factor into Boston’s deadline calculus is Aroldis Chapman. Multiple outlets, including MLB.com and SI.com, have identified Chapman as one of the Red Sox’s most movable veterans. Given the team’s need for a more stable rotation, flipping Chapman for a controllable starter is a realistic path.

A mid‑rotation starter like Freddy Peralta would stabilize the rotation, and Craig Breslow could revisit his interest in Minnesota Twins ace Joe Ryan after reportedly checking in on him last season. Boston could use Chapman as part of a package to acquire a mid‑rotation arm, especially from clubs looking to bolster their bullpen for a postseason push.

Most Likely Trade Chips

The Red Sox have a surplus of outfielders with Jarren Duran, Ceddanne Rafaela, Wilyer Abreu, Masataka Yoshida, and Roman Anthony. Boston is a team that could quietly become one of the more influential sellers at the deadline because of this exact imbalance, as Bleacher Report stated.

They have multiple outfielders who are either established big‑league contributors or close to it, and several of them overlap in role, handedness, or defensive profile. So, the Red Sox can move an outfielder without weakening the lineup while simultaneously addressing needs elsewhere.

Jarren Duran

Duran’s athleticism, speed, and remaining control make him one of Boston’s most valuable movable pieces. SI.com and Yahoo Sports have noted that he has drawn interest in previous trade cycles and remains a name rival executives monitor.

Masataka Yoshida

Yoshida’s contract complicates his market, but his bat‑to‑ball skills and DH versatility could appeal to teams needing left‑handed offense. Bleacher Report identifies him as a player Boston would consider moving if the financial structure aligns, especially for clubs seeking contact‑oriented hitters.

Wilyer Abreu / Ceddanne Rafaela / Roman Anthony

These three are viewed internally as long‑term core pieces, per Yahoo Sports and The Athletic. Their defensive versatility, age, and remaining control make them foundational to Boston’s future. They are unlikely to move unless the Red Sox receive a substantial return.

Moving Forward

The Red Sox don’t need a teardown, but they also can’t stand still. Breslow has made it clear in his comments to ESPN, The Athletic, and Yahoo Sports that the organization is focused on sustainable improvement rather than short‑term splashes or emotional decisions.

That philosophy shapes everything about this deadline. Boston’s outfield surplus gives them the flexibility to pursue upgrades without touching their top prospects. Their bullpen depth, including the possibility of moving Chapman, provides another avenue to add rotation help. And their need for a right‑handed bat or long‑term infield stability makes players like Peña natural fits.

The post Boston Red Sox Deadline Math: Buy, Sell, or Balance appeared first on The Lead.

Jun. 23—RENNER, S.D. — Palace City 14-and-under teener baseball picked up a split in a road doubleheader on Tuesday afternoon with Renner Post 307. Palace City won 10-9 in the first game and dropped the second game 9-7 in a shortened, two-inning contest.

In the first game, PCB scored the game's first six runs before Renner scored seven times in the bottom of the fourth inning to take the lead 7-6. From there, Palace City answered back in the fifth with four runs of its own to seal the win despite having six defensive errors for the game.

Kristopher Hatwan led Palace City on offense, going 4-for-4 with three RBIs and a run scored, while Preston Maeschen added three hits, three RBIs and two runs scored. Keniel Padilla tallied three hits, two runs scored and one RBI, as James Klinger had two hits and one run scored for PCB, who outhit Renner 13-5 in Game 1.

Gavin Auch earned the win on the mound for Palace City, pitching five innings and allowing seven runs (zero earned) on four hits with two strikeouts and five walks issued. Deyton Puetz made an appearance in relief for the final three outs, surrendering two runs on one hit with one walk allowed to secure the victory in Game 1.

In the second game, Renner tallied three runs in the bottom of the second inning to take the win in the condensed two-inning game. Renner held a 6-4 lead heading into the top of the second frame before Palace City scored three runs to hold the lead at 7-6, highlighted by an RBI-double from Padilla. Despite outhitting Renner 5-4, PCB had three defensive errors and issued seven walks between Klinger and Carter Buschbach on the mound.

Palace City was paced offensively by Padilla's 2-for-2 performance at the plate with two RBIs and two runs scored, while Maeschen, Auch and Puetz tallied one hit apiece in the Game 2 loss.

Palace City (8-14-1) is next in action on Wednesday for a 5 p.m. doubleheader against Sioux Falls Post 15 in Sioux Falls.

Jun. 23—LETCHER, S.D. — For the first time in decades, the community of Letcher is being represented by an American Legion baseball team in 2026.

During the summer of 2022, summer baseball programming in the town of approximately 160 residents, located 15 miles northwest of Mitchell, was revived with the introduction of two teener baseball teams. Four years after the debut of the Letcher Hawks at the 14-and-under and 16-and-under levels, the program has progressed to now field a varsity-level Legion team.

Andy Ettswold, a coach for the Hawks' Legion team who was also involved with getting the teeners teams up and running in 2022, said that Letcher had not had a Legion team since at least he was in high school as a class of 2000 graduate. He estimated that the absence dated back to the early 1990s, if not longer.

"It just feels good that we can give the kids a place to continue playing because they want to continue after the junior level, and this is kind of the last step," Ettswold said. "We talked with the Letcher Legion and Woonsocket Legion, and they were both on board, so we got it going."

Officially representing both Letcher Post 93 and Woonsocket Post 29, the Hawks' roster is primarily composed of rising seniors and recently graduated class of 2026 seniors from Sanborn Central and Woonsocket High Schools. Many members of the inaugural Hawks Legion have been with the program since the inception of the teener teams in 2022.

The introduction of a Legion team was particularly impactful for Bryce Larson and Payton Uecker, both 2025 graduates who haven't yet aged out of Legion eligibility. Without elevating to the Legion level, the pair of super seniors wouldn't have been able to play their final season of baseball for the Hawks this summer.

"I just love seeing the community come out and support us," said Bryce Larson, an original member of the Hawks 14U team from 2022. "Letcher is a tiny town, but the lights shine just as bright there. People are always talking about going to the games and how good the burgers are at the field. We always have a good turnout, and the community truly shows up for this team."

In their debut season, the Hawks are off to a 1-5 start, but given that the lone win to date is the program's first ever in the Legion ranks, the 13-7 triumph over familiar foes from Wessington Springs on June 17 made for a special moment.

In almost all other sports, Sanborn Central/Woonsocket and Springs maintain a rivalry, and for the football season each fall, they come together as the WWSSC program. That complex relationship added to what was going to be a memorable occasion, regardless of the opponent.

"It's always fun to play against your friends and so many people you know. It's one of those games where if you get a base runner against them, you're talking the whole time," Larson said. "To get the first win against them was really cool."

On top of being a first-year Legion outfit, the Hawks aren't afforded the head start to the summer baseball season that having a high school baseball team provides. Though the team hasn't quite kept pace with their preseason goal to challenge for a winning record in the early stages, Larson said the Hawks feel like they are improving as the year progresses and hope to pick up their success as July approaches.

"We always say that we might not be the best baseball team, but we definitely have the most fun," Larson said. "Just getting out and playing baseball with this group of guys makes it enjoyable."

According to Ettswold, the Hawks have embraced all the challenges of being a new program while looking to raise their level of play, and the future of the program is likely to benefit from this first-year team's efforts.

"We didn't really set any expectations in terms of winning and losing. Would we like to make the state tournament? Yeah, of course, but we know it's going to be tough," Ettswold said. "Our kids are there to have fun, and they want to compete, too. There's no give-up in those kids. They'll battle to the very end. We just want to be competitive through to the regions and see what happens."

Above all, Larson and his teammates are most proud that they've helped establish a path toward playing varsity-level baseball for up-and-coming younger players in the area.

"Watching the little kids grow and the numbers of players that go out for baseball grow, I think that sits in all of our minds," Larson said. "It's really, really cool to know that we kind of started something and just see the program where it's at now."

Former TCU catcher Nolan Traeger has committed to play at Arkansas, according to his Instagram bio. Traeger spent the last two seasons in Fort Worth after playing his high school baseball at Spring (TX) Concordia Lutheran. Now, he heads to a bordering state to play for the Razorbacks.

After news of the commitment broke, D1’s Kendall Rogers provided some insight on the move for Arkansas. You can say he is a fan of what Traeger will bring to Fayetteville.

“#Arkansas lands one of the top catchers left in the portal in former TCU backstop Nolan Traeger,” Rogers said via X. “Traeger finished this past season with a solid average and some power in addition to being a good defender.”

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Monday’s second-inning at-bat provided excellent insight into Chicago White Sox rookie outfielder Braden Montgomery’s approach at the plate.

The switch-hitter, batting from the left side, squared off against Cleveland Guardians starter Gavin Williams with a runner on first base and two outs in a scoreless game.

“The guy’s got a powerful fastball, he’s a powerful arm,” Montgomery said after the game. “You always want to be ready for the heater.”

Montgomery swung and missed on the first pitch, a 98.3 mph two-seam fastball.

“I feel like that first pitch he threw was a really good heater,” Montgomery said. “I’m late on it, so knowing that, I know there’s a chance I’m going to get another one. And so I’m dang sure I’m not going to miss the next one.”

The next pitch was a 98.5 mph four-seam fastball in the upper part of the strike zone. Montgomery displayed a nice piece of hitting, driving the ball to left field for a run-scoring double.

“I got something over the plate and did something positive with it and was excited to be able to make that happen,” Montgomery said.

It was the first of two doubles on Monday for Montgomery in the 6-5 victory at Rate Field. Montgomery went 2-for-3 with two runs and a walk.

He entered Tuesday’s game against the Guardians with five hits in his last 10 at-bats.

“After the first couple of games (in the major leagues) were so good for Braden, they started attacking with the fastballs,” manager Will Venable said on Monday. “And he’s made a really good adjustment.”

Montgomery had four hits in his first two big-league games, including the walk-off two-run home run in the ninth inning of his debut on June 9 against the Atlanta Braves. He was 2-for-23 over the next seven games. He’s rebounded with the five hits in the last three games.

Montgomery came into Tuesday slashing .262/.311/.452 with five doubles, one home run, five RBIs and seven runs in 12 games. He’s had four multi-hit games.

A big moment on Monday came when he showed patience in the ninth inning. The Sox were on the ropes after giving up the lead in the top of the ninth. Trailing by a run with one out, Montgomery faced Guardians closer Cade Smith.

“Another power arm,” Montgomery said. “Give yourself the best chance to be successful. Breathe. Eliminate everything except for wanting to hit a strike and wanting to take where he’s wanting to get you to chase.”

Montgomery took a strike but then laid off the next four pitches out of the zone to draw a walk.

“He’s got some really powerful pitches,” Montgomery said. “You’ve got to be able to lay off the splitter down, heater up, and then you’ve got to be able to get a good swing off on time once he comes to see you because he’s got power stuff.

“That’s kind of the mindset. Let’s get something to deal with and not expand to help him out. With power stuff like that, any time you’re leaving the zone that puts you in that much more of a hole.”

Representing the tying run, Montgomery quickly advanced to third on Tristan Peters’ check-swing double. Both Montgomery and Peters scored on Sam Antonacci’s two-out, game-winning single to center field.

It was the sixth walk-off victory of the season for the Sox, tied with the Seattle Mariners for the most in the American League.

“It’s falling back on your preparation,” Montgomery said of the team’s late-inning performances. “You have done your best to give yourself the best chance at success in moments like those. You don’t panic.

“We play a lot of games. You either execute or you don’t. And so you really just put your best foot forward and live with the results and be convicted in what you’re doing.”

Montgomery is enjoying doing his part to contribute.

“Even having a couple of good games, you’ve still got to show up to the ballyard the next day and put your work in and prepare for whatever you might see because all you can do as a hitter is do with what you’re given from the pitchers,” Montgomery said.

“The past couple of days I’ve been given pitches that I could handle and put a swing on, but that’s no guarantee that something similar would happen tomorrow.”

Louisville left-handed pitcher Ty Starke has entered the NCAA Transfer Portal, On3’s Pete Nakos reports.

Starke spent the first three seasons of his collegiate career at Louisville. In that span, the Louisville native appeared in 60 games (all in relief). Across 61 1/3 innings, Starke compiled a 3-1 record with a 5.28 ERA, 56 strikeouts, and 38 walks.

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The Cardinals’ 2026 season was a massive disappointment, as they finished with a 30-27 (13-17) record. This comes after Starke and Louisville made an appearance in the 2025 Men’s College World Series, which marked their sixth in program history.

“It’s really hard to win in baseball, especially with the aluminum bat,” head coach Dan McDonnellsaid following their season-ending loss to Pittsburgh in the ACC Tournament. “Things we have just have to address moving forward. I really like a lot of our young guys, and I like a lot of our young arms. But, we obviously have to address some of these areas because that’s not championship baseball. We’re a championship program, and we’ve got to get back to that.”

Louisville was not one of nine ACC teams to appear in NCAA Tournament

For the first time ever in the history of the NCAA Tournament, all eight teams that appeared in last season’s Mens College World Series failed to reach the Super Regional Round the following season. Louisville was one of four 2025 MCWS teams that failed to reach the 2026 Tournament (joined by Arizona, LSU, and Murray State), while Arkansas, Coastal Carolina, Oregon State, and UCLA fell in Regional play.

Nine total ACC teams appeared in the 2026 NCAA Baseball Tournament, including three national seeds (No. 2 Georgia Tech, No. 5 North Carolina, and No. 10 Florida State). Just one of these nine teams (North Carolina), however, advanced to Super Regional play. The Tar Heels downed USC in three games to win the Chapel Hill Super Regional, punching their second ticket to Omaha in the past three seasons.

With Louisville looking to re-tool its roster next season as it looks to return to the sport’s biggest stage, Ty Starke will not be sticking around.

To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire. The On3 Transfer Portal Instagram account and X (formerly Twitter) account are excellent resources to stay up to date with the latest moves.