Athletics recall Alika Williams from Las Vegas

Murakami, who signed a two-year, $34 million contract last offseason, made some noise while speaking to Fegan prior to his first Midsummer Classic appearance by confirming his interest in staying with Chicago long-term. He added that the two sides haven’t begun the process of discussing a potential extension. The 26-year-old first baseman launched 20 homers in his first 57 games before hitting the injured list with a hamstring strain back in late May. He returned for the White Sox’ final three games before the break and looked like himself during the Home Run Derby earlier this week. He’s slated to hit free agency after the 2027 campaign.

Contreras added while speaking to reporters at the All-Star Game in Philadelphia that he wants to finish his career in Boston. The 34-year-old first baseman put together an impressive 13-homer opening round during the Home Run Derby earlier this week and has been one of the main reasons that the Red Sox are within striking distance of a playoff spot coming out of the Midsummer Classic.

Kahnle returns to Boston’s relief mix after spending roughly one week on the open market. The 36-year-old veteran righty allowed eight runs over nine innings for the Red Sox after being called up back on June 4. He’ll remain stationed at Triple-A Worcester as emergency depth heading into the second half.

Dietz receives just under $2.5 million, which is just below the $2.83 million slot value for the 35th overall pick. The 21-year-old southpaw is coming off a phenomenal final collegiate season at Arkansas where he posted a stratospheric 131/31 K/BB ratio across 85 2/3 innings of work. He’s the type of high-voltage arm that could rise quickly through the minors and reach New York in a flash.

Reese commands a healthy $3.5 million signing bonus from Seattle, which is just a shade less than the $3.8 million full-slot value for the 24th overall pick. The 21-year-old power-hitting shortstop is going to hit for plenty of pop at the highest level, but he’ll need to improve his approach and plate discipline if he’s going to be an impactful fantasy contributor. His long-term defensive home is also an open question at this stage of his development.

Gracia receives just a shade under $3.98 million, which is considerably less than the original slot value, roughly $6.68 million for the ninth-overall pick, with Atlanta using that savings to sign third-rounder Jensen Hirschkorn to an above-slot deal. The 21-year-old projects as a corner outfielder with an above-average hit tool and over-the-fence pop after a strong collegiate career split between Virginia and Duke.

Moore is attempting to make it back to the big leagues for the first time since 2024 after signing a minor league contract with the Royals last month. The 37-year-old southpaw has looked sharp in a pair of Arizona outings and figures to head out to Triple-A Omaha after the All-Star break.

Díaz looked sharp for the second straight appearance after kicking off his rehab assignment with a pair of strikeouts in a scoreless frame for Low-A Ontario last weekend. The most encouraging sign is that he’s struck out four batters in two innings so far. The 32-year-old former elite closer is coming off surgery to remove loose bodies from his elbow. He’ll likely require a handful of additional rehab outings before the Dodgers are ready to bring him back later this month.

Lombard homered for the second straight contest. He also walked twice and completed seven innings at shortstop as he works his way back from a pair of sprained fingers on his throwing hand. The 21-year-old top prospect suffered the injury on a defensive play at second base for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre back in mid-June. He’s put together an excellent season in the upper minors and could be in line for a late-season opportunity with the Yankees. He has the defensive chops to play in the big leagues right now.

It’s a bit unclear how Williams fits into Washington’s second-half pitching plans, but he’s getting close to making it back. The 34-year-old has made it through four rehab starts as he continues working his way back from last year’s internal brace procedure.