MLB Trade Rumors Podcast

Anthony Franco joins Darragh McDonald to discuss news that Japanese ace Roki Sasaki will get posted this offseason and be available at a minimum salary, the strange situation of Gerrit Cole opting out of his contract with the Yankees, then rescinding it to stay on his original deal, what the Cardinals will do after reports that they plan to retool, but have some veterans that don't want to be traded, a deal that sent Jorge Soler to the Angels for Griffin Canning, the overall trend of the Brav...

Tim Dierkes, Steve Adams and Anthony Franco all join Darragh McDonald to break down and discuss the site's annual list of the Top 50 MLB Free Agents With Predictions. They talk about the big names, controversial picks, unexpected destinations and much more.

Steve Adams joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the massive amount of payroll flexibility that the Mets will have going into this offseason, other teams that will join the Mets in pursuit of Juan Soto, and how the Rangers will try to get better while also getting below the luxury tax threshold. Listener question topics include whose postseason performance will land them more money in free agency, if a Ryan Mountcastle/Ryan Helsley trade would make sense, if Rowdy Tellez is a good target fo...

Steve Adams joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the Yankees/Dodgers World Series matchup, reports that White Sox' owner Jerry Reinsdorf is having talks to sell the team and whether it could lead to a new stadium deal or relocation for the club. Also, what the ramifications will be for the Rays after the hurricane damaged Topicana Field's roof. There are a lot of unknowns about where they will play and how it will affect their finances.Listener question topics include whether it's a good idea fo...

Anthony Franco joins Darragh McDonald to discuss developments in the Twin Cities, including the Twins being up for sale, the firing of their GM, and the announcement that MLB will take over broadcasting of their games next season. In an extended mailbag, topics include if the Cubs will try to trade from their glut of top prospects, possibilities for the Orioles in their first offseason under new ownership, if the Rangers should resign Nathan Eovaldi, whether the Blue Jays could target Wi...

Anthony Franco joins Darragh McDonald to give a preview of the starting pitchers that will headline MLBTR's upcoming annual top 50 free agents list. They also talk about the teams affected by the recent news from the Diamond Sports bankruptcy case and speculate on which other teams could be big spenders this offseason.Listener question topics include which Tigers would be good extension candidates and whether shorter games lead to less concession money for teams.

Anthony Franco joins Darragh McDonald to discuss a flurry of front office changes including the Giants replacing Farhan Zaidi with former player Buster Posey and Chaim Bloom taking on a larger role with the Cardinals as he transitions into John Mozeliak's job as president of baseball operations. Listener question topics include the trade value of Cardinals' veterans in case the team rebuilds, where Paul Goldschmidt could sign as a free agent, how Cleveland's rotation will shake out next ...

Steve Adams joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the high emotions heading into the final home series for the Oakland A's, the amazing run the Tigers have been on to get into the wild card picture and their strong core moving forward, if the Nationals could make a run at signing Juan Soto after GM Mike Rizzo's comments about the team wanting to add a big bat, the team sending down CJ Abrams for off-field reasons, and the Reds firing manager David Bell. Listener question topics include what ...

Anthony Franco joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the odd circumstances that led to Matt Chapman's extension, where ownership and Chapman hammered out the deal without the assistance of GM Farhan Zaidi or agent Scott Boras, Tyler Glasnow's arm injury and the continuing trend of Dodgers' pitchers getting injured. and the report that the Mike Trout could play fewer innings in center field next year in hopes of avoiding injuries.Listener question topics include what the strengths and weaknesses a...

Steve Adams joins guest host Mark Polichuk to discuss Matt Chapman's six-year extension with the Giants, the surprising timing of it, and if Blake Snell could similarly resign with San Francisco. Also, the Yankees finally promote prospect Jasson Dominguez to take some playing time from the struggling Alex Verdugo, Kumar Rocker getting called up to the Rangers despite only appearing in fewer than 20 minor league starts, and Bo Bichette's comments about wanting to stay in Toronto alongside Vlad...

MLBTR's Mark Polishuk joins Darragh McDonald to discuss how this year's free agent class is shaping up, the Royals losing Vinnie Pasquantino to injury, but bolstering their roster by claiming Tommy Pham and Robbie Grossman off waivers and adding Yuli Gurriel via trade, Angels promote Caden Dana and Samuel Aldegheri and why the team promotes prospects so aggressively.Listener question topics include what went wrong to put the White Sox on the brink of breaking the all-time record for losses in...

Steve Adams joins Darragh McDonald to discuss Mariners' manager Scott Servais getting fired along with their hitting coach, Angels' GM Perry Minasian getting an extension and how owner Arte Moreno is to blame for the team's lack of success, the Orioles' lack of rotation depth after recent acquisitions Zach Eflin got injured and Trevor Rogers got optioned, and the legacy and accomplishments of Joey Votto after he announced his retirement this week.Listener question topics include the chances o...

Steve Adams joins Darragh McDonald to discuss how teams such as the Rangers and Pirates could place players on waivers in hopes of getting salary relief (like the Angels did last year), proposed ideas that would emphasize the importance of starting pitchers, Austin Riley's hand fracture being the latest of Atlanta's many injuries this season, and the Cubs releasing Hector Neris after an underwhelming season.Listener email topics include other candidates to be placed on waivers, the state of t...

Anthony Franco joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the White Sox firing their manager, Pedro Grifol, along with most of the coaching staff, the Mariners extending outfielder Victor Robles just a few months after he got released by the Nationals, the Dodgers doing some roster shuffling, designating Amed Rosario for assignment and moving Mookie Betts back to the outfield, and a shake up in the Marlins' front office. Listener question topics include whether Camilo Doval will pitch again for t...

Steve Adams joins Darragh McDonald to recap some of the moves they didn’t cover in previous episodes including the Mariners acquiring Randy Arozarena, Justin Turner and Yimi Garcia, the Pirates doing a “soft buy” acquiring Bryan De La Cruz while also completing a trade of young players sending Quinn Priester to Boston for infielder Nick Yorke, the long-term outlook of the Pittsburgh rotation, the Phillies adding relatively modest pieces by Dave Dombrowski standards, the Brewers showing off th...

In another megapod to recap the deadline, Darragh McDonald is joined by Tim Dierkes, Steve Adams and Anthony Franco to discuss whether the prices were high for buyers this year, why there were no blockbusters, the Erick Fedde trade, how teams like the Cubs and Rays are simultaneously buying and selling, the Blue Jays doing well in their return for Yusei Kikuchi, the relatively small moves that the Guardians made, the Orioles committing a lot of payroll and prospect capital to acquire pitching...

In an extra-long episode, Darragh McDonald is joined by MLBTR founder Tim Dierkes and writers Steve Adams and Anthony Franco to break down players that could be moved by clear sellers like the White Sox, Marlins and Athletics, unpredictable teams like the Rockies and Angels, the Cubs stating that they aren't planning to make a push this year, the Tigers surprisingly still holding 10% playoff odds according to Fangraphs, some interesting teams to watch like Tampa Bay and Toronto, how clear buy...

Anthony Franco joins Darragh McDonald to discuss MLBTR's recent list of the top 50 deadline trade candidates, Kansas City jumping the market to acquire reliever Hunter Harvey from the Nationals, the Rays trading Phil Maton to the Mets, how internal options could lead the Rays to deal more of their current players and why the Mets might make even more acquisitions. Listener question topics include how the Cubs are stuck between contending and selling, if the Tigers have played thems...

Anthony Franco joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the Rays trading Aaron Civale to the Brewers, Milwaukee's desire to add even more pitching, Marlins rumors surrounding Jazz Chisholm Jr. and relievers, a report saying the Angels are only looking to trade impending free agents despite seemingly not being close to competing in 2025 either and the Nationals pivoting into "sell mode" despite being on the fringes of the playoff race.Listener question topics include how much the Blue Jays will be wi...

Steve Adams joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the site's most recent update to the free agent power rankings and why the list becomes hard to predict behind the obvious top two of Juan Soto and Corbin Burnes. Also, a report that the Rays are considering trading some of their veteran starting pitchers for help in other areas of need, whether the Mets could choose a similar path, the difficulty teams will have lining up a deal for Garrett Crochet since he has already exceeded his highest previo...

Steve Adams joins Darragh McDonald to discuss trade chips recently getting injured and potentially coming off the market including the Angels' Patrick Sandoval and the Marlins' Jesus Luzardo and Braxton Garrett and why the Blue Jays, Rays and Rangers could fall into a selling position. The Phillies sign Cristopher Sanchez to a four-year extension and the strong state of the Phillies' rotation long term. Also, bad news for the Blue Jays as they lost top prospect Orelvis Martinez to a PED...

Steve Adams joins Darragh McDonald to discuss Jose Abreu getting released and how the Astros' struggles this year haven't afforded them time to wait for struggling players to turn things around. Also, the recent injuries to Mookie Betts and Yoshinobu Yamamoto and if the Dodgers will make any reactionary moves, Anthony Rizzo out for the Yankees and whether his job will still be there for him when he gets healthy and the Braves' Michael Harris II out with a hamstring strain. The guys also talk ...

Anthony Franco joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the news of Cristian Javier and Jose Urquidy both needing a season-ending elbow surgery, Kyle Tucker going on the IL and the team's stated reluctance to sell at the deadline.The guys then take a lot of mailbag questions. Topics include which bad teams have strong farm systems that will allow them to rebound in 2025, who could fit as a right fielder for the Guardians in a trade, if the Marlins will trade both Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Jesus Lu...

Anthony Franco joins Darragh McDonald to discuss Tucupita Marcano's lifetime ban for betting on Pirates games while he was on the team, the increased integration of gambling into the league, comments from Blue Jays' GM Ross Atkins saying that they it doesn't make sense for the team to trade Vladimir Guerrero Jr. or Bo Bichette and the state of the Orioles' rotation depth after it was announced that both John Means and Tyler Wells will have elbow surgeries. Listener question topics ...

Steve Adams joins Darragh McDonald to discuss Ronald Acuna Jr. tearing an ACL for the second time in his career, who the Braves could target to replace him in the lineup and the state of the team in general. Also, Hal Steinbrenner's comments about the Yankees' payroll being unsustainable due to the luxury tax, a potential battle between high-payroll teams and low-payroll teams when the time comes for CBA negotiations and the reporting that teams expect Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki to be posted...

Anthony Franco joins Darragh McDonald to discuss what kind of offer it would take to convince Juan Soto and Scott Boras to forgo free agency, the seven-year extension offer that the Mets floated to Pete Alonso last year and what he and the team will decide to do this year as he is set to become a free agent. Listener question topics include whether the Orioles and Tigers could match up on a trade involving a bat for a bullpen arm, some questions about the prospect promotion incenti...

Steve Adams joins Darragh McDonald to discuss Paul Skenes debuting in Pittsburgh, the way the media hypes up young players and places impossible expectations on them, the new TV deal between Roku and MLB and what it means for the future of broadcast availability, the brutal WIllson Contreras injury suffered from getting hit by a swing and why pitch framing is causing catchers to get closer to the hitter's bats, and the surprisingly good return the White Sox got from the Rangers for Robbie Gro...

Anthony Franco joins Darragh McDonald to discuss Luis Arraez getting traded to the Padres, what other assets the Marlins could trade and the wheeling and dealing front office in San Diego. Listener email topics include when Paul Skenes will be called up by the Pirates and when Jackson Holliday will be called back up by the Orioles, what an automated strike zone could look like in MLB, and why the Tigers aren't making changes to their struggling lineup.

Steve Adams joins Darragh McDonald to discuss Jose Abreu agreeing to be sent down to the minors, Mike Trout's torn meniscus, the myth of teams having too many players at a certain position, when top prospects like Junior Caminero and Jackson Jobe could be called up, why the White Sox won't be able to pick higher than tenth in the 2025 draft despite their bad record, the average time a repaired tendon can last after Tommy John surgery, the first date a newly-signed free agent is eligible to be...

MLBTR's Anthony Franco joins Darragh McDonald for an all-mailbag episode with topics including: which division leaders are mostly likely to stay in first place, the Cardinals' struggles and their overreacting fanbase, some technicalities teams deal with when making minor trades, the potential trade market for Jazz Chisholm, what pitch mix would be best to minimize injuries, why there isn't more accountability for bad umpiring, the difficulty of evaluating coaches, how the money owed to Javy B...

MLBTR's Steve Adams joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the site's newly published Free Agents Power Rankings, how Gerrit Cole could potentially end up a free agent this year, the legal details that came out about Shohei Ohtani's interpreter allegedly stealing millions of dollars and the mess that is leading the A's to temporarily move to Sacramento. Listener email topics include how pitchers can get charged for a blown save in the seventh inning, if the Tigers would consider cutting Javy ...

It's a four-person panel with Tim Dierkes, Steve Adams and Anthony Franco all joining Darragh McDonald to discuss why the offseason didn't go as expected, what lessons they can take into next year's top 50 free agent list, some bad predictions they made, which trends could continue in the future, what to expect in the next CBA to protect young players and the middle class of free agency, ways to improve parity and if there will be a lockout during the next CBA negotiation.

MLBTR's Steve Adams joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the Dodgers locking up catcher Will Smith to a ten-year contract extension, the Pirates trading for Joey Bart to improve their catching depth, Mike Clevinger signing with the White Sox and a three-way trade sending John Berti from the Marlins to the Yankees, and Ben Rortvedt to the Rays. Listener question topics include whether the Rangers would consider trading for Jordan Montgomery if the D-Backs sell, if Roki Sasaki can game the sy...

MLBTR's Steve Adams joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the scandal surrounding the alleged gambling of Shohei Ohtani's interpreter, JD Martinez signing with the Mets despite the hefty luxury tax penalty, a live reaction to Jordan Montgomery's deal with the Diamondbacks as the news breaks during the recording, Michael Lorenzen's deal with the Rangers, whether Jackson Holliday's assignment to Triple A is service time manipulation and Ezequiel Tovar's extension with the Rockies. Listener que...

Mutiny Within the MLBPA, Blake Snell Signs With The Giants And The Dylan Cease TradeMLBTR's Steve Adams joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the power struggle within the MLBPA after a frustrating offseason for many players, Blake Snell's two-year deal with the Giants and Dylan Cease getting traded to the San Diego and the Padres propensity for acquiring and moving prospects in trades. Listener question topics include whether the the Blue Jays could go after Juan Soto next year, why similar...

MLBTR's Anthony Franco joins Darragh McDonald to discuss Lucas Giolito and Garrett Cole's respective arm injuries and whether Red Sox or Yankees could make moves for another starter, Brayan Bello's contract extension and the state of the Boston rotation going forward, the plan for Mookie Betts to move to shortstop over Gavin Lux and J.D. Davis getting released and losing out on the full terms of his arbitration salary. Listener question topics include which team had the worst offseason, ...

MLBTR Founder Tim Dierkes joins Darragh McDonald to discuss what led Matt Chapman to take a short-term deal, the Giants penchant for giving out deals with opt outs, Zack Wheeler signing a three-year extension with the Phillies with a big AAV and dark horses to sign Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery.Listener email topics include why fans get enjoyment from Scott Boras failing, and whether the "Scott Boras era" free agents signing extremely long-term deals is over.

MLBTR founder Tim Dierkes joins Darragh McDonald to discuss what led Cody Bellinger to take a short-term deal, why the site's prediction for him was so far off and how his contract will affect the other Boras clients still available.Listener question topics include how players historically perform after signing midway through spring training, if the Phillies' deal with Aaron Nola looks bad in hindsight and early guesses about what Juan Soto could do next offseason.

Steve Adams joins Darragh McDonald to discuss potential landing spots for the big Scott Boras clients left on the free agent market, whether they believe the executives of the Rangers, Giants and Angels who say their teams don't have any more money to spend, the Nationals no longer being for sale and the disappointing offseason they've had, and the implications of Rob Manfred's announcement that this will be his final term as commissioner.

Anthony Franco joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the Giants signing Jorge Soler, how he will fit onto their crowded roster, and whether it affects their chances of signing one of the top remaining free agents. Also, the Brewers signing Gary Sanchez, the Pirates signing Yasmani Grandal, and if the Padres will target more low-cost free agents like Jurickson Profar to remain under the competitive balance tax threshold. Listener email topics include which team could be a surprise contender t...

Steve Adams joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the Angelos family selling the Orioles and how it could affect the franchise moving forward, how the Corbin Burnes trade impacts both the Orioles and Brewers, and the details of the Bobby Witt Jr. extension.

MLBTR's Anthony Franco joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the Twins trading Jorge Polanco to the Mariners for a four-player package, the Brewers signing Rhys Hoskins, and what the Blue Jays next moves will be after signing Justin Turner and whether they will make any big commitments to Matt Chapman or anyone else. They also talk about the Joc Pederson signing with the Diamondbacks and the Tigers' extension of prospect Colt Keith.Listener question topics include what's in store for Cody Belling...

MLBTR writer Anthony Franco joins Darragh McDonald to discuss how much money each team gets from their TV broadcasting rights as well as the fluid situation of Diamond Sports Group's bankruptcy and what a deal involving Amazon could mean for the affected teams. On the hot stove, Josh Hader unexpectedly signed with the Astros, Robert Stephenson with the Angels and Aroldis Chapman with the Pirates.Listener question topics include whether J.D. Martinez or another full-time DH would make sense fo...

MLBTR founder Tim Dierkes joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the Cubs landing free agent Shota Imanaga as well as trading for Michael Busch from the Dodgers, the Yankees bolstering their rotation by signing Marcus Stroman and whether that will stop them from pursuing other pitching upgrades, and the Giants signing Jordan Hicks and their plan to transition him into a starter.Listener question topics include whether the Pirates have given up on their stated plans to add a starting pitcher, why t...

MLBTR writer Steve Adams joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the Dodgers grabbing more headlines by signing Teoscar Hernandez, and a flurry of moves including the Marniers sending Robbie Ray to the Giants for Mitch Haniger and Anthony DeSclafani, acquiring Luke Raley from the Rays for Jose Caballero and the Rays then trading Andrew Kittredge to St. Louis for Richie Palacios. Listener email questions include whether teams deferring significant money is a problem for the sport, ...

Anthony Franco joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the state of the Dodgers' rotation after signing Yoshinobu Yamamoto to a record-breaking contract as well as the position of the other teams who vied for the Japanese star. They also dig into both sides of the Chris Sale for Vaughn Grissom trade between the Red Sox and Braves as well as Boston's signing of Lucas Giolito, the Royals stocking up of mid-tier free agents to raise their floor, the Blue Jays emphasizing defense with Kevin Kierma...

MLBTR founder Tim Dierkes joins to discuss the Tyler Glasnow trade and extension with the Dodgers and dive into how concerning his injury history really is. Also, why Jung Hoo Lee got so much more money than anyone predicted from the Giants and the risks for the Diamondbacks signing players in the middle tier of the free agent market like Eduardo Rodriguez and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. Then, Steve Adams joins to answer listener questions involving the recent series of contract-swapping moves t...

MLBTR founder Tim Dierkes joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the record-breaking deal that Shohei Ohtani signed with the Dodgers and all of the craziness surrounding it. This includes whether the huge amount of deferred money is fair, if the contract is good for the game of baseball and how much to trust media reports from "scoop reporters."Also, they react to the blockbuster deal sending Juan Soto to the Yankees and talk about the New York's fearsome lineup, the position the Padres are left i...

Site founder Tim Dierkes joins host Darragh McDonald to discuss what isn't happening with Shohei Ohtani and what they think about the process playing out secretly and Jerry Dipoto and the Mariners deciding to bet against Jarred Kelenic in order to dump salary.Listener question topics include what the Dodgers' plan B will be if they miss out on Ohtani, if rising player contracts will lead to higher prices charged to fans, and whether anyone from MLBTR attends the Winter Meetings.

MLBTR founder Tim Dierkes joins host Darragh McDonald to discuss Sonny Gray's new contract with the Cardinals and the risks of having a rotation filled with old veterans. Also, Kenta Maeda signing with the Tigers for less money than expected. Listener questions topics include, which free agent starters make sense for the Orioles, what the Reds will do with their huge amount of available payroll, why players haven't wanted to sign in San Francisco and what it would take for an acqui...

Anthony Franco joins host Darragh McDonald to discuss Aaron Nola staying with the Phillies and how his big contract will affect the rest of the starting pitching market. They also analyze Reynaldo Lopez signing with the Braves and Lance Lynn with the Cardinals and point out the most intriguing names from this year's crop of non-tenders. Listener question topics include the slow pace of baseball free agency compared to other sports, whether the Dodgers will have another "disappointing" of...

Steve Adams joins host Darragh McDonald to discuss the site's list of top offseason trade candidates, what Bryce Harper moving to first base means for the rest of the Phillies' roster and what the Braves will do with the extra money after Alex Anthopoulos stated that the payroll will be going up. Listener question topics include what's in store for the NL Central teams this offseason, if the Angels will pursue other top free agents if they miss out on Ohtani and whether Jonathan India ha...

Host Darragh McDonald is joined by Tim Dierkes, Steve Adams and Anthony Franco to discuss the site's annual Top 50 Free Agent list. In this extra-long episode, they talk about how they decided on a number that they think Ohtani will reach, why they are so high on Cody Bellinger's market, the ranking of the free agent pitchers, and much more.

Anthony Franco joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the likelihood of the Padres trading Juan Soto with reports saying that the team is looking to cut payroll next season, Giants' president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi and new manager Bob Melvin both sign new contracts to be with the team for three seasons and the Red Sox hire former pitcher Craig Breslow to be their front office boss. Listener question topics include whether Ohtani will sign early or late into the offseason, who cou...

Anthony Franco joins host Darragh McDonald to discuss Adolis Garcia's rise from going unclaimed on waivers to being named ALCS MVP, what's next for the Astros, including extension candidates and a potential managerial search, if Bob Melvin will change teams despite still being under contract, the likelihood of Tyler Glasnow getting traded.Listener questions include how the Mariners will address their offense and where Cody Bellinger could sign this offseason.

Anthony Franco joins host Darragh McDonald to discuss why Boston's top front office job might be hard to fill, the next step for Kim Ng after choosing not to continue as GM in Miami and what potential contracts could look like for Brandon Woodruff after he gets shoulder surgery just one year away from free agency. Listener email questions include analyzing what teams will do this offseason vs. what they should do, and whether the current playoff structure isn't advantageous for the top s...

Host Darragh McDonald is back and is joined by MLBTR's Anthony Franco to discuss Billy Eppler resigning from the Mets' front office amidst an investigation into injured list manipulation, bad news in Miami with Sandy Alcantara's Tommy John being announced and the team being eliminated from the playoffs, and Mike Hazen's extension as GM of the Diamondbacks.Listener question topics include whether the Braves could trade Vaughn Grissom for pitching help, especially after it was announced t...

MLBTR's Anthony Franco joins guest host Mark Polishuk to discuss Cal Raleigh's comments asking ownership to spend more after missing the playoffs. Could Ohtani be an option? Also, would the Tigers potentially resign Eduardo Rodriguez if he opts out of his contract and is the team could be closer to contending than people think?Listener questions include whether the Dodgers should resign J.D. Martinez, and/or pursue big-name starters, how much managers are a factor in attracting free agents, a...

Mark Polishuk fills in as host and is joined by Steve Adams to do a free agent pitching preview and talk about who could be good, under-the-radar pickups. Also, what's in store for the Padres next year after a report stating that they're looking to cut payroll and potentially move on from AJ Preller and what the Angels might look to trade Mike Trout if they miss out on resigning Shohei Ohtani. Listener question topics include if Sonny Gray will remain with the Twins next year and w...

MLBTR's Mark Polishuk joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the weak free agent position player class, the Red Sox firing Chaim Bloom, the Mets hiring David Stearns and details and ramifications of the Rays plan to build a new stadium near the site of Tropicana Field.Listener question topics include what factors led to Stephen Strasburg not being able to retire with his full pay, if the prospect promotion incentive will affect promotions next year for Jackson Holliday or Jackson Chourio and if th...

MLBTR's Anthony Franco joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the site's positional free agent previews for catcher and first base. They also analyze the Rockies extending Germán Márquez as he recovers from Tommy John surgery and the state of the Dodgers' rotation after the announcement that Walker Buehler won't return this season. Listener question topics include if Spencer Turnbull’s relationship with the Tigers is beyond repair, whether the A’s will continue to be cheap once they move to L...

MLBTR's Steve Adams joins Darragh McDonald to analyze how the unprecedented salary dumping on the waiver wire shook out, benefiting the Guardians and the Reds while still reportedly keeping the Angels in luxury tax territory. Also, what solutions could be implemented to avoid this happening in future years. They also discuss some exciting September call-ups, including the Yankees’ Jasson Dominguez and the Mets’ Ronny Mauricio, and a listener question prompts the guys to pick the wh...

Anthony Franco joins Darragh McDonald to discuss how the news of Shohei Ohtani's UCL tear will affect his upcoming free agency, who has moved up and down on the latest update of the Free Agent Power Rankings, and Stephen Strasburg deciding to retire after injuries derailed his very impressive career.Listener email questions have a Pete Alonso theme and include whether he'd be a trade fit for the Brewers, Cubs or Twins.

MLBTR's Steve Adams joins Darragh McDonald to discuss what led to the surprising front office move in Chicago, firing their VP Ken Williams and GM Rick Hahn, what is leading to the recent trend of prospects getting promoted in mid-August (including the Angels promoting this summer's draftee Nolan Schanuel) and the unfortunate state of the Rays' rotation health after it was announced that Shane McClanahan will undergo Tommy John surgery. Listener question topics include how the Reds can f...

MLBTR’s Anthony Franco joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the pros and cons of a proposal to move future trade deadlines back from the end of July to mid-August, After selling hard at the deadline, will the Mets either trade or extend Pete Alonso before next season? They also analyze the sad state of the Yankees rotation and how it sets up for 2024.Listener question topics include what the Cardinals need to do to be competitive next year, if they match up well for a trade with the Mariners, wh...

MLBTR's Steve Adams joins Darragh McDonald to discuss how a sudden hot streak from the Mariners has propelled them back into the playoff mix despite trading away pieces at the deadline, and on the flip side, how the Angels' losing streak has left them with very low playoff odds despite their all-in approach.Also, the effect of Josh Jung and Jonah Heim's injuries on the Rangers, major health concerns for the Rays' Shane McClanahan and the Yankees' Carlos Rodon and Trevor Story's long-awaited r...

MLBTR's Steve Adams joins Darragh McDonald to recap the major dealings of this year's busy trade deadline. They discuss the Mets not only selling, but also their apparent plan to scale back in 2024, the arms race going on in the A.L. West, with the Rangers acquiring both Max Scherzer and Jordan Montgomery and the Astros getting Justin Verlander back to compete down the stretch with the reloaded Angels.They also tell whether they were surprised that the Padres and Cubs made acquisitions while ...

The Hot Stove is heating up, and MLBTR writer Anthony Franco joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the the Angels' decision to keep Shohei Ohtani for the rest of the season and push for the playoffs. The team also pulled off a deal to acquire pitchers Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo Lopez from the White Sox. The guys also talk about whether the Cubs' recent winning streak will change their status from sellers to buyers, if the Yankees should buy despite being in last place in the AL East and how serio...

Everyone wants to know if Shohei Ohtani will be traded. With the Angels' playoff chances fluctuating, MLBTR's Anthony Franco and Darragh McDonald discuss when the team could make a decision on whether to move him. The guys also talk about how the Cardinals committing themselves as sellers will impact the trade market and why Dylan Carlson is an appealing trade candidate and speculate on which direction some fringe teams like the Tigers and Red Sox will go at the deadline. Listener ...

MLBTR's Anthony Franco joins host Darragh McDonald to break down the site's list of the top trade candidates for this year's trade deadline, from the sure bets to the exciting long shots. They also discuss how the Angels’ recent struggles and Mike Trout’s injury affect the odds of the team trading Shohei Ohtani and how the Rays are surprisingly only two games ahead in the AL East at the All-Star Break despite their early dominance.Listener email topics include who the Cardinals should t...

Anthony Franco joins Darragh McDonald to give a midseason update to the Free Agent Power Rankings. There is a surplus of top pitchers available and a noticeable lack of hitters. They discuss why guys like Julio Urias and Aaron Nola fell and why Lucas Giolito and NPB star Yoshinobu Yamamoto are climbing the ranks. Also, where do unpredictable players like Blake Snell and Jeimer Candelario belong on the list?Moving to the trade market, the guys analyze the Royals trading Aroldis Chapman t...

MLBTR's Steve Adams joins Host Darragh McDonald to discuss the Angels making some early moves, acquiring Eduardo Escobar from the Mets and Mike Moustakas from the Rockies to replace their injured infielders, whether the Pirates poor recent stretch will change their focus from buying to selling and if the opposite is true for the Cubs. Also, John Mozeliak acknowledging that the Cardinals might sell and Aaron Judge’s injury status. Listener question topics include why the Red Sox might try...

MLBTR’s Steve Adams joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the Reds and Pirates sitting on top of the NL Central thanks to strong performances from young players like the newly promoted Henry Davis, Gavin Williams being the latest in the Guardians’ seemingly endless line of top pitching prospects and if the team will try to leverage their pitching depth at the deadline, the White Sox saying that they plan to only sell their impending free agents and the Dodgers looking to solidify their rotation.&...

MLBTR's Anthony Franco joins Darragh McDonald to discuss Marcus Stroman lobbying for an extension with the Cubs seemingly not interested, what Pete Alonso’s injury means for an already struggling Mets and Astros GM Dana Brown stating that they plan to target bats at the deadline despite their seeming pitching needs.Listener question topics include whether any impact hitters will be available at the deadline, if the Orioles will trade for a top-of-the-rotation starter and how much interest the...

MLBTR writer Steve Adams joins host Darragh McDonald to talk about Elly De La Cruz debuting for the Reds, how he will factor into the the infield picture and if it could lead to a trade of Jonathan India or Nick Senzel.They also Alek Manoah being optioned to the minor leagues less than a year after being a Cy Young finalist and Jacob DeGrom needing elbow surgery less than three months into his five-year contract with the Rangers.Listener question topics include what kind of contract can Kevin...

Darragh McDonald takes over hosting duties and is joined by MLBTR's Anthony Franco to discuss how no team in the National League is truly out of the race, Michael Soroka and Tyler Glasnow returning from injuries and whether Aaron Hicks or any of the other recently cast-off veterans can provide any value to a new team.Listener question topics include the Giants' chances in the division race, if there's a scenario where the Padres would trade Juan Soto, if the Twins are safe in a weak AL Centra...

Will Sammon of The Athletic joins Simon Hampton to talk about what has led to the Mets' improved play, Francisco Alvarez' role once the veteran catchers return from injury and what holes the team might try to fill at the trade deadline.Then, MLBTR's Darragh McDonald comes on to discuss what the Mariners need to do to break out in a crowded AL West, whether the Marlins' success is sustainable and the impressive youth movement in Arizona.

MLBTR writer Steve Adams joins Simon Hampton to discuss the Cardinals' sudden reversal on their recent decision to relieve Willson Contreras of his catching duties, and the emergence of Mitch Keller as a topline starting pitcher in Pittsburgh's rotation.Listener question topics include the timeline for the Reds to call up top prospect Elly De La Cruz, Eduardo Rodriguez as a potential trade target and why the Padres haven't been living up to their expectations.

Katie Woo, the Cardinals writer for The Athletic, joins Simon Hampton to discuss Willson Contreras being pulled from the catcher position, Nolan Arenado's early struggles and the possibility of a Jordan Montgomery extension.Later, MLBTR's Darragh McDonald comes on to talk about what Max Fried's forearm strain means for the Braves, all five teams in the AL East being over .500, the state of the Astros and how the balanced schedule could affect the Wild Card picture.

MLBTR writer Steve Adams joins Simon Hampton to talk about Bryce Harper's speedy recovery from Tommy John surgery and dive deep into what players the White Sox might make available in trades if they choose to sell after their poor start to the season. Listener submitted topics include the chances of the Cardinals trading Tommy Edman, what upgrades the Red Sox should make and whether any managers are currently on the hot seat.

Experienced Las Vegas reporter, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press joins Simon to speculate on how the city would embrace an MLB team. She also gives insight into her current beat, the Minnesota Twins, and the optimism surrounding the team. MLBTR's Anthony Franco later joins to break down the new Bryan Reynolds extension with the Pirates and Madison Bumgarner getting DFA'd by the Diamondbacks.

MLBTR founder Tim Dierkes joins host Simon Hampton to review who sits atop the 2023-24 Free Agent Power Rankings. They also discuss recent extensions between Ian Happ and the Cubs as well as Pablo López and the Twins. Listener email questions include the Giants' refusal to spend on high-end pitching in free agency, if Juan Soto's struggles in San Diego will affect his ability to sign a big contract and whether Marcell Ozuna still deserves a spot on the Braves' roster.

Host Simon Hampton is joined by MLBTR's Steve Adams to talk about the Rays' hot start, Grayson Rodriguez's debut for the Orioles, the effect that service time rules are having on early-season call-ups and whether or not to be worried about the Angels' bullpen struggles. Listener topics include potential surprise sellers at the deadline, if Gary Sanchez can still be a difference maker and how well Mets' rookie catcher Francisco Alvarez will fare filling in for the injured Omar Narvaez.

Host Simon Hampton is joined by MLBTR writer Anthony Franco to discuss their observations from Opening Week, whether Shohei Ohtani will factor into the trade market this summer and what Jake Cronenworth's contract extension means for the Padres. Listener email topics include whether Oswald Peraza to the Marlins makes sense, the future of the Cardinals' rotation and if the Dodgers will be willing to add money at the trade deadline.