There’s no better feeling than representing your home. Good luck to all the teams in the 2026 World Cup!

Athletes First and MLB Players, Inc. (@MLBPA) are proud to announce a new content partnership to develop and monetize original programming that connects baseball fans with the players they love across MLB Players Studios. The partnership gets underway today with the launch of "Werth Talking About," a Philadelphia-based video podcast hosted by Phillies legend Jayson Werth covering all things Phillies - from game recaps and trade rumors to clubhouse stories and life off the field.

Take a look at the 2025 Players Trust Annual Report ⬇️ trust.mlbplayers.com/2025-an…

Congratulations to Paul Skenes, who was named the Players Trust’s Most Valuable Philanthropist for June.   Paul will be awarded a $10,000 grant in support of his work helping veterans and first responders through the Gary Sinise Foundation. The Players Trust’s MVP award will be given six times this season to players who demonstrate an altruistic spirit and positive social impact beyond the diamond. Congratulations, Paul!

In this week’s episode of Stitch x Stitch, we sit down with All-Star and three-time world Series Champion, Dave Stewart. He reflects upon his Oakland roots and the lessons he learned from the 1981 Strike. Available now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode of Stitch x Stitch, we sit down with Reggie Smith — a seven-time All-Star outfielder and 1981 World Series champion with the Dodgers. Inspired by Marvin Miller and Jackie Robinson, Smith became a powerful voice for the union, advocating for players’ rights, improved conditions during pivotal labor battles, and the fight for free agency — all with the goal of leaving the game better than he found it. Available now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Listen now: tinyurl.com/mpp4cuh5

Edwin Diaz was selected out of his native Puerto Rico in the third round of the 2012 draft by Seattle, where he recorded 109 saves over his first three MLB seasons.  He amassed 144 saves over parts of six seasons with the New York Mets before signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers in December. In 527 career appearances, he has averaged 14.5 strikeouts per nine innings pitched. Welcome to the 10-year fraternity, Edwin!

Willson Contreras made his major league debut with the 2016 Chicago Cubs, helping the club win its first World Series in 108 years as a rookie. He built on that early success and now has 1,000 hits, more than 180 home runs, and three All-Star appearances to his name. In 2026 he joined his younger brother, William, in helping their home country of Venezuela win its first ever World Baseball Classic. Welcome to the club, Willson!

Willson Contreras made his major league debut with the 2016 Chicago Cubs, helping the club win its first World Series in 108 years as a rookie. He built on that early success and now has 1,000 hits, more than 180 home runs, and three All-Star appearances to his name. In 2026 he joined his younger brother, William, in helping their home country of Venezuela win its first ever World Baseball Classic. Welcome to the club, Willson!

Jameson Taillon, the second overall pick in the 2010 MLB draft out of  The Woodlands High School in Texas, began his career with the Pirates before stints on the mound for the Yankees and Cubs. The Texan has struck out more than 1,100 batters in over 230 starts throughout his 10 years in the majors. Congratulations, Jameson!

Chris Bassitt was selected in the 16th round of the 2011 draft by the White Sox and made his major league debut with Chicago three years later. He has since gone on to pitch for the Athletics, Mets, Blue Jays and Orioles. The Ohio native has started over 220 games and surpassed 1,200 strikeouts in his career. With an All-Star appearance and three top 10 Cy Young finishes, Bassitt has enjoyed a stellar run in the game. Off the field, he has been a strong advocate for Players and currently serves on the MLBPA’s Executive Submvoittee. Congrats, Chris!

Brent Suter and Chris Bassitt weigh in on MLBPA proposals today.

MLBPA Makes Opening Proposals to Benefit All Players & Build Upon Industry Momentum

Willson Contreras made his major league debut with the 2016 Chicago Cubs, helping the club win its first World Series in 108 years as a rookie. He built on that early success and now has 1,000 hits, more than 180 home runs, and three All-Star appearances to his name. In 2026 he joined his younger brother, William, in helping their home country of Venezuela win its first ever World Baseball Classic. Welcome to the club, Willson! Willson Contreras debutó en las Grandes Ligas con los Cachorros de Chicago en 2016, ayudando al equipo a ganar su primera Serie Mundial en 108 años siendo aún novato. Consolidó ese éxito inicial y ahora cuenta en su haber con 1.000 hits, más de 180 jonrones y tres selecciones al Juego de las Estrellas. En 2026, se unió a su hermano menor, William, para llevar a Venezuela a su primer título del Clásico Mundial de Béisbol en la historia. ¡Bienvenido al club, Willson!

Teamwork makes the dream work. Tatsuya Imai, Steven Okert and Alimber Santa combined to throw the 18th no hitter in @astros history! A special hat tip to Santa, who was making his DEBUT. 🤯

Being in the bigs for 10 years is a milestone very few Players achieve. Over the years, Jameson Taillon has learned that to stay in the big leagues, it's not just about the metrics and analytics, but how you treat people, that keeps you in the game. Congratulations, Jameson, on officially notching 10 Years of Service Time!

Kyle Higashioka's connection to the military runs through his heritage. His grandfather, G. Shigeru Higashioka, served during World War II in the 100th Infantry Battalion of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. Today, Kyle supports the @SOFWarriorFnd, which honors the sacrifice of America’s heroes by standing with their families. #MemorialDay

The fabric of our union was built Stitch x Stitch. During the past 60 years, Players have established a legacy of solidarity as they’ve fought to protect and advance their rights. In honor of their efforts, we are proud to introduce Stitch x Stitch, an MLBPA podcast dedicated to weaving together the stories of our union, as told by those who lived it.

Our inaugural episode features Phil Garner, who sat down with us to record several months before his passing on April 11. A 3x All-Star and longtime advocate for Player rights, Phil shares firsthand stories of Curt Flood, free agency, and the rise of Player power. This episode honors his lifelong commitment to the PA and Player fraternity. 

Available now on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Listen now:
tinyurl.com/77tx85yk

Bruce Meyer, the MLBPA's interim Executive Director, appeared on a panel last week at the 2026 Sports Lawyers Association's annual conference in Chicago. As negotiations toward a new Collective Bargaining Agreement get under way, Meyer outlined the Players' long-held opposition to a salary cap in baseball.

Gio Urshela was a versatile and productive performer for eight teams over parts of 10 MLB seasons. He represented his native Colombia with pride in multiple World Baseball Classics and ranks among Colombia’s career leaders in numerous offensive categories. We congratulate him on a stellar career and wish him all the best in his retirement!