The article discusses the controversy surrounding Jacob Misiorowski's selection to the MLB All-Star Game, highlighting that he was chosen because other pitchers declined to participate. It explores issues of player participation, selection flaws, and the need for incentives to boost engagement in the game, amid ongoing labor tensions and concerns about the event's prestige.
The Golden State Valkyries, a new WNBA expansion team, will select players from a pool of unprotected players from existing teams in an upcoming expansion draft. Each team protected six players, leaving others available for selection. This draft marks the first WNBA expansion draft since 2008, as the league enters a new era of growth. The Valkyries can choose one player from each of the 12 teams and make trades before the draft. The draft will be broadcast on ESPN, and the Valkyries' selections will reveal which players were left unprotected.
The MLS SuperDraft 2024 has concluded, and this article provides a club-by-club grade for all 29 participants. Each team's picks are evaluated, highlighting potential prospects, international players, and the overall strategy of the clubs. Some notable selections include Jayden Hibbert by Atlanta United, Bryan Dowd by Chicago Fire, Wayne Frederick and Kimani Stewart-Baynes by Colorado Rapids, and Malachi Jones by New York City FC.
OL Reign has released their list of protected players for the NWSL Expansion Draft, including Bethany Balcer, Alana Cook, Claudia Dickey, Sofia Huerta, Jordyn Huitema, Veronica Latsko, Phoebe McClernon, Quinn, and Olivia Van der Jagt. The remaining players, including Lauren Barnes and Jess Fishlock, are available for selection. The Reign can lose up to two players in the draft, and the expansion clubs, Bay FC and Utah Royals, will have the opportunity to select players from the available pool. The draft will take place on December 15.
The 2023 Rule 5 draft took place at the Winter Meetings in Nashville, with teams selecting eligible players who are not on their 40-man roster. The draft order was determined by the 2023 standings, and some notable players changed clubs last year. The draft results include players like RHP Mitch Spence going to the Athletics, RHP Matt Sauer to the Royals, RHP Anthony Molina to the Rockies, LHP Shane Drohan to the White Sox, and SS Nasim Nuñez to the Nationals. The minor league phase of the draft also occurred, with former major leaguers like 1B Seth Beer and RHP Kervin Castro changing teams.
The Kansas City Royals will participate in the annual MLB draft, with the draft taking place during All-Star week in Seattle. The Royals have the #8 overall selection and will have subsequent picks in later rounds. The draft is considered to be strong, with LSU outfielder Dylan Crews projected as the top pick. The Royals' scouting director has emphasized taking the best long-term prospect available and maintaining flexibility in signing players. Various mock drafts suggest potential selections for the Royals, including catchers Kyle Teel and Blake Mitchell, as well as other college and high school players.
MLS NEXT has announced the rosters for the 2023 MLS NEXT All-Star Game presented by Allstate, featuring 44 players selected from the MLS academies and non-MLS academies. The game will provide a platform for rising stars born between 2005-2007 to showcase their talents in an East vs. West format. The selected players will have the opportunity to participate in MLS All-Star Week festivities, including team training, the All-Star Skills Challenge, and the MLS All-Star Game.
