​Happy Wednesday, everyone! The big events of the All-Star break have come and gone, with the amateur draft, the Futures Game, the Home Run Derby, and the ASG itself all behind us. As we head towards the latter half of the season, our attention will turn toward the trade deadline and which teams are going to make a real push for the postseason. And in the background of all that, we will continue to monitor the contentious dealings between MLB and MLBPA when it comes to the CBA. There’s plenty of drama awaiting us in the coming months, but the All-Star break serves as an important reminder of why we all watch this game in the first place: it’s meant to be fun.So, today’s news has quite a few stories from the week that was and what it might mean for the rest of the season. We’ll get into all that and more below, so let’s just jump right into it.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementRyan Blake shares how Jordan Walker’s Home Run Derby win is just one more feather in the cap of an already incredible breakout season.Dan Gartland explains how Walker became the unexpected villain of the Derby.Jordan Walker hopes his Derby win will inspire more Black kids to play baseball. (ESPN)Perla Paredes spotlights some of the best fashion ahead of the All-Star Game and shares some of the deeper meanings behind the wardrobe selections.There was a cheesesteak competition at the All-Star Game (naturally, since it’s in Philly), and surprise! The winners are from Tokyo. Story by Max Ralph.Matt Kelly and Andrew Simon look at the best homers in ASG history.The most memorable moments in All-Star Game history. (SI)David Roberts takes The Athletic behind the scenes on a prep day for the All-Star Game. Story by Katie Woo. (The Athletic subscription required.)This is adorable.Dan Szymborski reports that the Cardinals have signed an eight-year deal with JJ Wetherholt.Brendan Gawlowski breaks down the highlights from this year’s Futures Game.Ryan Phillips tries to convince us that there’s no curse on Home Run Derby winners. Tom Verducci offered up some things to keep an eye out for during the All-Star Game.Jesse Rogers and Jorge Castillo report that there is mounting tension between MLB and the MLBPA over a recent salary cap ad. Evan Drellich reports that there could be stiff penalties for players who skip the Olympics as fears over participation increase. (The Athletic subscription required.)A look at a bit of cool baseball history from Philly.Jay Jaffe has a new series looking at the weakest positions on postseason-favored teams.Bryce Harper claims that FanDuel duped him into recording a video for a gambling addict. Story by Stephen J. Nesbitt. (The Athletic subscription required.)Ben Weinrib looks at some of the most intriguing selections from Day 2 of the amateur draft.Jimmy Traina tries to come to terms with Barry Bonds and ARod being a part of the All-Star Week festivities, but not being in the Hall of Fame.Tom Verducci explains how Mike Trout’s renaiss