Steve Adams joins Darragh McDonald to discuss Tatsuya Imai signing with Houston on a deal with multiple opt outs, Kazuma Okamoto landing a big deal and how he will fit on the Blue Jays' roster, the Pirates signing Ryan O'Hearn and if they will still acquire a huge free agent, and whether the Giants are good enough to compete.

Anthony Franco joins Darragh McDonald to discuss a three-way trade headlined by Brandon Lowe to Pittsburgh, Mike Burrows to Houston and Tampa Bay acquiring prospects. Other topics include the recent Shane Baz trade, whether the Rays plan on competing in 2026, why the Orioles gave up so much to acquire Baz, what led Munetaka Murakami to settle for a two-year deal with the White Sox, the Cardinals trading Willson Contreras to the Red Sox, whether Boston will sign a big free agent, Michael King's three-year deal with the Padres, and the Mets sending Jeff McNeil to the A's. 

Steve Adams joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the Mets' interesting decision to sign Jorge Polanco to replace Pete Alonso at first base despite him never having played the position, the Braves signing Robert Suarez, Mike Yastrzemski, and Ha-Seong Kim, the Blue Jays paying high prices for Tyler Rogers and Cody Ponce, the Royals signing Lane Thomas, trading Angel Zerpa for Issac Collins and Nick Mears, and extending Maikel Garcia, the Tigers signing veteran relievers Kyle Finnegan and Kenley Jansen as well as Drew Anderson who has been pitching overseas. 

Anthony Franco joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the news from the Winter Meetings. Topics include the Phillies resigning Kyle Schwarber, how Pete Alonso fits on the Orioles' roster, the Pirates making big offers to free agents, how the the Reds will pivot after missing out on Schwarber, Edwin Diaz's deal with the Dodgers, what the Mets will do after losing so many of their key players, the Nationals trading reliever Jose Ferrer to the Mariners for top catching prospect Harry Ford, and the Twins deciding to hold onto their trade chips and try to compete next year. 

B.B. Abbott, an executive vice president at Wasserman, joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the process of free agency from the perspective of the agent, including who makes the first call, how much bluffing goes on when talking to front offices, why he doesn't like to leak stories to the media, what industry members think of MLBTR's free-agent predictions and other media speculation, how involved players are during negotiations, the different ways that contract extensions can come together, Zack Wheeler's recovery, how data has changed the draft, and the current state of baseball as a whole. 

Then A...

Anthony Franco joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the Mets trading Brandon Nimmo to The Rangers for Marcus Semien and what moves those teams could make next, why the Orioles sent Grayson Rodriguez to the Angels for Taylor Ward, what last week's signing of Josh Naylor means for the Mariners moving forward, if the Braves will play Mauricio Dubon at shortstop or still look to bring back Ha-Seong Kim, some surprising players that were tendered contracts, and what players accepting qualifying offers says about the free-agent market and a potential lockout next year. 

Tim Dierkes, Steve Adams and Anthony Franco all join Darragh McDonald to discuss the site's annual Top 50 Free Agents list. 

Topics include how the threat of a lockout will affect free-agent contracts, if there's a team that will be willing to give Kyle Tucker a massive deal, the factors that could drive up Bo Bichette's price, how difficult it is to predict what Dylan Cease will sign for, what to make of Japanese stars Munetaka Murakami and Tatsuya Imai, if this will be the year that Cody Bellinger and Pete Alonso get huge deals, how the guys n...

Steve Adams joins Darragh McDonald to discuss Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz getting indicted due to their involvement in a gambling scandal, Shane Bieber's surprising decision to pick up his player option with Toronto, Jack Flaherty choosing to stay in Detroit for another year, the Rays declining the option on Pete Fairbanks, Trevor Story deciding to not to opt out of his deal with the Red Sox, Gleyber Torres and Shota Imanaga getting offered qualifying offers, guys like Lucas Giolito and Devin Williams who didn't receive one, and the Rockies hiring Paul DePodesta as their new president of baseball...

Steve Adams and Anthony Franco join Darragh McDonald to preview the offseason with a discussion of the site's list of top trade candidates. 

First they give some final World Series thoughts, discuss the Cubs declining Shota Imanaga's option, and Ha-Seong Kim becoming a free agent.

Trade-related topics include whether the Cardinals will try to move Brendan Donovan to help them rebuild, if Mackenzie Gore is a shoo-in to get traded, CJ Abrams' value, the direction the Twins will go in following their deadline fire sale, if the Pirates will trade pitching to acquire hitting help, h...

Steve Adams joins Darragh McDonald to discuss how much Bo Bichette's return in the World Series will impact his free agency, what MLB teams could offer Kazuma Okamoto when he gets posted this offseason, how strong the market will be for Dylan Cease, and the new managers hired by the Orioles and Angels.

Listener question topics include what an extension for Addison Barger would look like, if veterans on minor league deals are eligible to be picked in the Rule 5 Draft, and whether Jarren Duran will get traded. 

Anthony Franco joins Darragh McDonald to discuss how writing for MLBTR affects your fandom, if the Dodgers can be stopped, reports that the Phillies will move on from Nick Castellanos and what they could do in the outfield, which teams would be interested if Tarik Skubal were on the trade block, the record-breaking money he could get when he hits free agency, the Giants potentially hiring Tennessee's Tony Vitello as their new manager, the challenges a college coach would face if managing a major-league team, and the Brewers' deciding whether to keep Freddy Peralta or trade him. 

L...

Steve Adams joins Darragh McDonald to discuss news that Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami will be posted this offseason and the unprecedented eight managerial positions that are currently open. 

Listener email topics include what it would take for the Tigers to trade Tarik Skubal to the Mets, what contract Pete Alonso could get, if the White Sox will look to trade from their supply of back-end starters, if the Nationals should consider moving James Wood to first base, how the Mariners' roster is set up for postseason success and if they will bring Josh Naylor back next season. 

Anthony Franco joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the Rockies parting ways with GM Bill Schmidt, which direction the Rangers will go in after naming Skip Schumaker as the new manager, and how the ability to challenge balls and strikes next year will affect the emphasis that teams put on pitch framing. 

Listener question topics include whether we're headed for a quiet offseason with next year's CBA negotiations looming, how late-season runs by teams like the Guardians will affect how teams approach the trade deadline, which free agents could be signed and flipped next year by a bad t...

Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias joins Darragh McDonald to discuss what went wrong for the team in 2025, why they haven't signed free agent pitchers to big contracts, the difficulty for players to make the jump from AAA to the majors, the plan moving forward with catchers Adley Rutschman and Samuel Basallo both on the roster, how the O's ended up acquiring six players from the Padres' 2024 draft class, weighing future value when making trade deadline deals, and what led the team to target Ryan O'Hearn back when he was struggling with the Royals. 

Then Steve A...

Anthony Franco joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the major struggles of the Tigers, the Guardians surging to try to take a playoff spot, and the Astros limping toward the playoffs after losing Yordan Alvarez and others to injuries. 

Listener question topics include what kind of package would entice the Cardinals to trade Brendon Donovan, whether the Phillies will resign Kyle Schwarber or any of their other free agents, and how much money teams receive in revenue sharing. 

Steve Adams joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the Mets' rotation issues and what led them to rely on three rookie pitchers as they try to avoid a collapse, if the Diamondbacks, Giants or Reds could sneak into the playoffs, San Francisco deciding to call up Bryce Eldridge for the stretch run, and the meteoric rise and impressive debut of the Blue Jays' Trey Yesavage

Listener question topics include what the Astros could do this offseason to address their glut of position players, if the Braves will trade from their core, and if the Red Sox are poised...

Mariners' president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto joins Darragh McDonald to talk about the team's aversion to multi-year free-agent contracts, if it's a struggle to convince players to sign in Seattle, the possibility of resigning Josh Naylor, PR factoring into roster construction, and how trade deadline deals are one of the main ways the Mariners acquire players.

Then MLBTR founder Tim Dierkes joins to discuss the career of Anthony Rizzo, if the Braves should consider trading Sean Murphy, Lourdes Gurriel Jr. tearing his ACL and what the Diamondbacks will need to do to compete in 2026, 

L...

Anthony Franco joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the Red Sox extending Aroldis Chapman after a surprisingly good year at age 38 and Walker Buehler getting released and signing with the Phillies.

In an extended mailbag section, listener question topics include the Braves claiming Ha-Seong Kim and if they will spend more now that they've gotten under the luxury tax threshold, what the Rangers need to address this offseason, what the Pirates could realistically do in left field next year, and if the Marlins will trade starting pitching or commit to winning instead. 

Pirates General Manager Ben Cherington joins Darragh McDonald to discuss how he's diving deeper into player development in Pittsburgh, why the team has had more success developing pitchers than hitters, how the Pirates considered drafting a position player instead of Paul Skenes, why the they haven't signed a player to a multi-year deal during his tenure, and the necessity of small-market teams to acquire players via trades.

Then Anthony Franco joins the pod to discuss the Orioles locking up their young catcher Samuel Basallo with an 8-year extension, if Adley Rutschman could get moved, Felix Bautista being...

Steve Adams joins Darragh McDonald to discuss news that the Pohlad family will retain majority ownership of the Twins, why fans are unhappy about it, and whether it will lead the team to trade guys like Pablo Lopez and Joe Ryan this offseason. Also, what led the Nationals to designate Nathaniel Lowe for assignment and for the Red Sox to sign him, how Josh Hader's capsule sprain will seemingly sideline him for the rest of this season, Zack Wheeler's unknown timeline to return after suffering a blood clot, and how mid-August has become an important time on the calendar...

Steve Adams joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the most recent update to the Free Agent Power Rankings, including a lot of weak performances by players in their walk years, but also guys such as Brandon Woodruff, Lucas Giolito and Bo Bichette who are trending upward. They also get into the details of Roman Anthony's contract extension with the Red Sox. 

Listener question topics include whether Tigers fans should be worried, if Tarik Skubal should be traded this offseason, whether or not Mark Vientos and Pete Alonso will be a part of the Mets' infield next season, and i...

Anthony Franco and Steve Adams join Darragh McDonald to recap the trade deadline. They discuss the Padres' deadline haul and A.J. Preller's willingness to trade away prospects, Leo De Vries and the rest of the Athletics' return for Mason Miller and JP Sears, the Twins selling off most of their bullpen and dumping Carlos Correa's salary on the Astros, the Mariners bolstering their offense with Eugenio Suarez and Josh Naylor, the Diamondbacks keeping Zac Gallen, the general lack of high-end starters moved this year, whether the Rangers acquisition of Merrill Kelly will put them over the luxury tax...

Steve Adams joins Darragh McDonald to discuss news that the Pohlad family will retain majority ownership of the Twins, why fans are unhappy about it, and whether it will lead the team to trade guys like Pablo Lopez and Joe Ryan this offseason. Also, what led the Nationals to designate Nathaniel Lowe for assignment and for the Red Sox to sign him, how Josh Hader's capsule sprain will seemingly sideline him for the rest of this season, Zack Wheeler's unknown timeline to return after suffering a blood clot, and how mid-August has become an important time on the calendar...

Steve Adams and Anthony Franco both join Darragh McDonald to preview Thursday's trade deadline. 

Topics include how teams like the Padres try to simultaneously buy and sell at the deadline, the Royals extending Seth Lugo and deciding to go for it, Luis Robert's future, where pieces from the clear-selling Pirates and Marlins might end up, how the Mariners could leverage their strong farm system in trades, Eugenio Suarez and other trade chips that the Diamondbacks hold, the Yankees trading for Ryan McMahon and how they will act in light of Aaron Judge's injury, the Rockies actually making d...

Anthony Franco joins Darragh McDonald to discuss veteran reliever David Robertson signing a contract with the Phillies after sitting out the first half of the season, which players the Orioles and Athletics seem likely to trade, and how shedding Dane Dunning's salary could allow the Rangers to reallocate that money toward an impact bat.

Listener question topics include whether a Jarren Duran/Jhoan Duran trade could work, if the Angels should be trying to compete, and which players the Cardinals will make available at the deadline. 

Steve Adams joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the Rays' upcoming ownership change and the trade they made for reliever Bryan Baker, the bullpen overhaul the Orioles will have to do this offseason, the Phillies targeting relievers with multiple years of control left, and whether teams on the bubble of contention like the Twins and the Guardians will make a pivot to selling. 

Listener question topics include which 2025 all star is most likely to get traded, if the Red Sox will trade one of their young outfielders for pitching, what will happen to the struggling Tanner Houck when h...

Anthony Franco joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the site's recent list of the top trade candidates, how the Nationals' underwhelming rebuild led the team to fire Mike Rizzo and Dave Martinez, and whether Spencer Schwellenbach's injury will push the Braves to be full-on sellers. They also talk about how the Yankees slumped while the Blue Jays' win streak rocketed them to first place in the AL East and what each team needs to address at the trade deadline. 

Listener question topics include how the Mariners and D-Backs could line up on a Josh Naylor trade, if the R...

MLBTR founder Tim Dierkes joins Darragh McDonald to discuss Griffin Canning's injury and the questionable state of the Mets' rotation, which impact rotation arms that could be available at the deadline, and reports that the Pirates are open to trading most of the players on their roster. 

Listener question topics include the possibility that the Orioles could sell at the deadline and still compete for a wild card, incentives that could be given for small market teams to hold onto premier players, if it makes sense for different players to get traded, including Vinnie Pasquantino,  Eugenio Suarez, Jo...

Anthony Franco joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the site's new series of team-by-team trade deadline outlooks that started with the Marlins, Pirates and Phillies. Also, Alex Anthopoulos saying that the Braves do not intend to sell, the Reds getting aggressive by designating Jeimer Candelario for assignment and promoting Chase Burns, and how the Diamondbacks will deal with their glut of injuries.

Listener question topics include whether Matthew Boyd's innings will be limited this year, if the Padres or Royals will trade from their pitching depth, and how the Reds can beef up their lineup. 

Steve Adams joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the shocking Rafael Devers trade, what it means for the Red Sox, and how he fits on the Giants' roster. Also, the unique situation of Aaron Civale requesting a trade, and the subsequent deal that sent him from Milwaukee to Chicago for Andrew Vaughn

Steve Adams joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the news that Justin Ishbia will eventually take over majority ownership of the White Sox, Roman Anthony getting called up by the Red Sox, Corbin Burnes needing Tommy John surgery, the overall pitching woes of the Diamondbacks, and the Mariners designating Leody Taveras for assignment after recently taking a shot on him.

Listener question topics include whether the Mariners should try to add a lefty to their rotation, how Atlanta will treat the deadline considering their low playoff odds, and what the Mets will do with their glut of young...

Steve Adams joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the site's updated free agent power rankings, rumors that the Padres are targeting Jarren Duran in a trade, the Royals promoting Jac Caglianone, the Mariners calling up Cole Young, the Dodgers acquiring Alexis Diaz from the Reds as a reclamation project, and some notable pitching injuries including the Astros' Ronel Blanco and the Braves' AJ Smith-Shawver needing UCL surgeries.

Listener question topics include whether the Diamondbacks should be sellers at the deadline, and what a return package would look like in a hypothetical Gunnar Henderson trade.

Anthony Franco joins Darragh McDonald to discuss what the Red Sox will do in light of Alex Bregman's quad injury, including top prospect Marcelo Mayer getting called up, whether Rafael Devers will get any time a third base, if Trevor Story will lose playing time to due to his struggles, and how the team could make room for Roman Anthony. They also get into some Pirates topics including Jared Jones getting UCL surgery, whether the team should trade Paul Skenes, and what other trade chips they could move at the deadline. 

Listener question topics include whether the O...

Steve Adams joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the Orioles firing manager Brandon Hyde after a brutal start to their season, what qualities you want in a manager on a rebuilding team compared to a manager on a competing team, the Dodgers designating Austin Barnes for assignment in order to make room for top catching prospect Dalton Rushing, Chris Taylor getting released, Phillies' reliever Jose Alvarado getting hit with a PED suspension and the possibility of the team signing David Robertson. 

Listener email questions include if Rhys Hoskins and other big bats will be available at the trade d...

Anthony Franco joins Darragh McDonald to discuss Rafael Devers refusing to play first base and where that leaves the Red Sox roster moving forward, the Pirates firing Derek Shelton, the Rockies firing Bud Black, and how the Diamondbacks will find playing time for Jordan Lawlar in their already crowded lineup.

Listener question topics include whether the Orioles should extend Cedric Mullins or Tomoyuki Sugano, how real the Twins are following their big winning streak, if the Tigers can keep it up, the struggles of Jordan Walker in St. Louis and if Andrew McCutchen could be a target...

Steve Adams joins Darragh McDonald to discuss options for the Red Sox at first base including moving Rafael Devers there and calling up number 1 MLB prospect Roman Anthony. They also recap the changes made by the Rangers including sending down Jake Burger, waiving Leody Taveras, calling up Evan Carter and replacing their top offensive coach with former player Bret Boone. Other topics include Kenta Maeda getting DFA'd, the Blue Jays building up rotation depth by adding Spencer Turnbull and Jose Urena, and speculating on how Max Scherzer would fare as a reliever.

Listener question topics include the...

Anthony Franco joins Darragh McDonald for an all-mailbag episode. Question topics include whether the Red Sox should trade Triston Casas to make room for their top prospects, if Rafael Devers needs a change of scenery, whether the Mets should extend Pete Alonso, how much hope to have in the Tigers this year, what qualifies as "success" in a baseball season, what can be done to increase offense in the game, how to further stop teams from tanking, and if Jurickson Profar can be traded while serving his PED suspension. 

Steve Adams joins Darragh McDonald to discuss what's next for the Cubs following Justin Steele's UCL surgery, the timeline that led to Triston McKenzie getting designated for assignment by the Guardians after being so dominant in the past, and a plethora of high-profile prospect promotions including the Nick Kurtz for the A's, the Edgar Quero for the White Sox, Chandler Simpson for the Rays, Augustin Ramirez for the Marlins and Luke Keaschall for the Twins. 

Listener question topics include what power a player has to change teams during his arbitration or pre-arb years, and whether changes should b...

Steve Adams and Anthony Franco join Darragh McDonald for a deep dive into the first edition of the 2025 free agent power rankings. They go through their justifications for the top ten and who is poised to rise or fall throughout the year. 

Anthony Franco joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the Blue Jays locking up Vlad Guerrero Jr. to a huge deal and what it means for the big free agents next offseason, Jackson Merrill's nine-year extension and the Padres trying to balance a tight budget with so many long-term contracts on the books, how Ketel Marte's extension also backloads the money to free up current payroll space for the Diamondbacks, and the Red Sox trading Quinn Priester to the Brewers.

Listener question topics include whether the promotions of Chase Dollander and Zac Veen will bring hope to Rockies fans...

Anthony Franco joins Darragh McDonald to discuss Garrett Crochet's contract extension, why the Red Sox chose this route instead of signing a big free agent this past offseason, the myriad of problems the Braves are facing including Jurickson Profar's PED suspension, the injury to Reynaldo Lopez and the team's 0-5 start. Also, they go over last week's trade that sent Nolan Jones to Cleveland for Tyler Freeman, the Astros going with an outfield alignment including two infielders Jose Altuve and Cam Smith, whether Smith's quick ascension to the majors changes their opinions on the teams return for Kyle Tucker...

Steve Adams and Anthony Franco both join Darragh McDonald to take a big-picture look at the past offseason, discussing why every year is so different, why older position players seem to be valued less on the market, if a salary cap should be instituted in the future, whether the Mets will continue to be bigger spenders than the Yankees, how Juan Soto's deal will affect future top free agents like Kyle Tucker and Vlad Guerrero Jr., the current state of TV rights and how it could change future revenue for teams, if expansion still has a chance of happening...

Anthony Franco joins Darragh McDonald to discuss to Rays' stadium deal falling apart in St. Petersburg, why the league didn't prioritize keeping a team in Oakland how they are in Florida, and the state of the Rangers' rotation after injuries to Cody Bradford and Jon Gray.

Listener question topics include comparing Sandy Alcantara and Dylan Cease as trade targets, if the Pirates will trade from their catching depth, if the Mariners will have more luck trading their prospects at the deadline compared to the offseason, expectations for the Yankees this season considering the injuries they've sustained, and...

Steve Adams joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the Athletics extending Lawrence Butler, the news that Gerrit Cole needs Tommy John surgery and where that leaves the Yankees' rotation, the injury to Francisco Alvarez testing the Mets' catching depth, and the league and other owners pressuring Rays owner Stu Sternburg to sell the team.

Listener question topics include who will win the central divisions, the likelihood of trades occuring before the end of spring training, and if Dodgers fans should be worried about the age of their players. 

Anthony Franco joins Darragh McDonald to discuss Jose Quintana signing with the Brewers, how Luis Gil's injury opens up a spot for Marcus Stroman in the Yankees' rotation, and Jordan Montgomery seemingly set to start the season in the Diamondbacks' bullpen. 

Listener question topics include whether the Nationals will start spending more now that their TV dispute has been sorted out, the likelihood of a salary floor being instituted in the future, the chances of Luis Robert Jr. getting traded before the season starts, whether Paul Skenes or Elly De La Cruz would be more likely to s...

Steve Adams joins Darragh McDonald in an all-mailbag episode. They discuss many things including whether the Braves will really begin the season without acquiring more depth in their rotation or bullpen, why David Robertson remains unsigned, the possibility of a reunion between the Mets and Jose Iglesias after the recent injury to Nick Madrigal, how Justin Turner will fit onto the Cubs' roster, whether Jackson Jobe will win a rotation job in Detroit over Casey Mize and Kenta Maeda, if the Mariners are looking to trade Luis Castillo, and how deferrals don't actually skirt the luxury tax. 

Anthony Franco joins Darragh McDonald to discuss Alex Bregman's short-term deal with the Red Sox, how he fits onto their roster, where it leaves the Tigers after missing out on him, if it means that Nolan Arenado will now stay in St. Louis, and why the Cardinals haven't traded their impending free agents. They also discuss the Padres signing Nick Pivetta and Kyle Hart to put them over the luxury tax threshold, Vlad Guerrero Jr.'s comments that he will hit the free agent market next offseason after not reaching an agreement with the Blue Jays, and the Diamondbacks...

Anthony Franco joins Darragh McDonald to discuss Pete Alonso coming to an agreement with the Mets, how it came together, and what it means for the rest of their roster. 

Listener question topics include Alex Bregman's options now that he is the biggest free agent left on the market, whether Nolan Arenado would be a good fit in Boston, if the Orioles need to make another rotation move,  and what the Marlins are hoping to achieve with their rebuild. 

Steve Adams joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the Tigers bringing back Jack Flaherty, the team's continued interest in Alex Bregman, Max Scherzer signing with the Blue Jays to bolster their rotation, the Rays signing Ha-Seong Kim, the Padres plan to move Xander Bogaerts back to shortstop, what trades the Padres could still make this offseason, Jorge Polanco surprisingly resigning with the Mariners, and the underwhelming finish to the Giants' offseason after trading Taylor Rogers to the Reds to shed salary. 

Anthony Franco joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the Astros trading Ryan Pressly to the Cubs, Houston's continued involvement in bringing back Alex Bregman and the potential of moving Jose Altuve to the outfield, the Braves signing Jurickson Profar, whether they will try to stay under the luxury tax threshold this season or if there is money available to improve their rotation depth.

Listener question topics include whether the Pirates will acquire a right fielder before the season starts, why Jack Flaherty is still unsigned, the reasons that the baseball offseason is so different from other sports, if...

MLBTR founder TIm Dierkes joins Darragh McDonald to discuss results of a poll put on the site showing that most fans want a salary cap and that many would be willing to forfeit the 2027 season to get it. They also think about what parity in the league really means and the most effective ways to achieve it. Then they go over the signings of Roki Sasaki, Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates with the Dodgers, and Anthony Santander with the Blue Jays. 

Steve Adams joins Darragh McDonald to discuss Jeff Hoffman signing a three-year deal with Toronto after having deals fall apart with the Braves and Orioles due to flagged physicals. Also, Justin Verlander's deal with the Giants, the state of the Marlins rotation after trading Jesus Luzardo and losing Braxton Garrett to injury, the Mariners finally making a major league move by signing Donovan Solano.

Listener question topics include what the Reds will do with the extra money from their new TV deal, why the Nationals haven't spent much this offseason, and what a Kyle Tucker extension would...

MLBTR founder Tim Dierkes joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the Athletics extending Brent Rooker, the Reds acquiring Gavin Lux after the Dodgers signed Korean infielder Hyeseong Kim, Corbin Burnes surprisingly joining the Diamondbacks, the Cubs trading with the Yankees to unload Cody Bellinger's contract, the Yankees inking Paul Goldschmidt, Christian Walker signing with the Astros, the Mets bringing back Sean Manaea, the Red Sox filling out their rotation with Walker Buehler and Patrick Sandoval, the Phillies acquiring Jesus Luzardo in a trade with the Marlins, the Orioles making modest rotation additions in Charlie Morton and Tomoyuki Sugano, Cleveland trading...

Anthony Franco joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the blockbuster trade that sent Kyle Tucker to the Cubs and Issac Paredes, Hayden Wesneski and Cam Smith to the Astros, the Brewers sending Devin Williams to the Yankees for Nestor Cortes and prospect Caleb Durbin, the A's acquiring Jeffrey Springs from the Rays, the Orioles signing Japanese starting pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano, and whether Luis Castillo, Dylan Cease or Jesus Luzardo could get traded soon.

Darragh McDonald is joined by Tim Dierkes, Steve Adams, and Anthony Franco to discuss Juan Soto's record-breaking contract, which players Steve Cohen is willing to pay for, what the Mets will pivot to next, how Max Fried ended up getting an eight-year contract from the Yankees, the blockbuster deal that sent Garrett Crochet to the Red Sox for some top prospects, who could sign Corbin Burnes, the Giants signing Willy Adames, the surprising deal between Luis Severino and the Athletics, the trades between the Guardians, Blue Jays and Pirates that sent Andres Gimenez to Toronto, the modest offseason so...

Steve Adams joins Darragh McDonald to discuss Blake Snell signing a five-year deal with the Dodgers, MLB fans getting tired of the Dodgers' dominance over the free agent market and their use of deferred money, their extension of Tommy Edman to keep him with the team for four additional seasons, a breaking news report that the Red Sox are signing Aroldis Chapman, the Mets signing Frankie Montas, and the Cubs signing Matthew Boyd and whether they will get more aggressive this offseason. 

Listener question topics include whether the Pirates would be interested in trading with the Red S...

MLBTR founder Tim Dierkes joins Darragh McDonald to discuss Yusei Kikuchi signing with the Angels, the flurry of moves that the Angels have already made this offseason, and Royals sending Brady Singer to the Reds for Jonathan India and Joey Wiemer. 

Listener question topics include the mechanics of how Scott Boras will approach teams to drive up the bidding for Juan Soto, if the A's will really raise their payroll and who they could target, what the Mariners should do at third base, why the Nationals non-tendered Kyle Finnegan, and what it would take to extend Tarik S...

Anthony Franco joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the Rays' plans to play in a minor league facility in 2025 and the potential of relocation if their new stadium deal falls through. Also, the restructuring of Diamond Sports and the new deal that got them out of bankruptcy.

Listener question topics include whether the Red Sox could target both Garrett Crochet and a top-end free agent, the rumored deal that would send Jonathan India to Kansas City for Brady Singer, and if the Orioles will be big players in free agency this offseason.

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 Braves moving money around to make payroll space for 2025, and the Dodgers...

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 for the Tigers, and whether Justin Verlander should transition into being a closer. 

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 for the Guardians to trade Josh Naylor, what extensions for Masyn Winn...

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 Willson Contreras in a trade, and how the Padres can continue to be competitive as they f...

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 year, and if it's time for the Marlins to move on from Edward Cabrera and Jesus Sanchez.

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 Plan B will be for the Yankees if they miss o...

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 are for all of the teams in position to make the playoffs and what Atlanta can do this offseason...

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 Guererro Jr. 

Listener question topics include what is happening with the Twins, if they could really lose their Wild C...

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 a season, what the Rangers should focus on this offseason and whether Chris Young will get...

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 of Max Fried signing an extension with Atlanta and how his relatively disappointing season will affect his earnings. Also...

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 the Tigers and what they will do with the Javy Baez contract, and what the Mets could do...

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 the Giants after getting sent down to the minors, whatever happened to Archie Bradley, and if Braves fans should g...

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 their ability to improve pitchers by getting Frankie Montas to immediately throw harder since being acquired, and the Diamondbacks trading for an eli...

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, if teams will become more aggressive in the offseason since there's been less available at the...

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 buyers like the Yankees and Orioles will address their needs, and rapid-fire thoughts about other teams.

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 themselves back into the mix, and how much the White Sox will speed up their contention timeline with the de...

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 willing to unload, where the Mariners could look to add offense and the chances of the Braves extending...

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 previous inning count in a season, and the promotion of Nationals' prospect James...

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 suspension while dealing with a long losing streak. 

Listener question topics include what it would take fo...

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 about the passing of WIllie Mays and his baseball legacy. 

Listener question t...

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 Luzardo, the possibility of the Blue Jays trading Kevin Gausman to A...

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 include the liklihood of the Brewers trading Willy Adames to recoup value before he becomes a fr...

Duration: 00:40:38

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 this offseason.

Listener question topics include an idea for a relief pitching bonus based...

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 incentive: if a rookie traded mid-season qualifies, why Mason Miller is...

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 Grossman despite him being a minor league signing this offseason. 

Listener question topics i...

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 traded, and Erick Fedde's trade value after a strong start to...

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 Baez compares to the cost of launching rockets into space, and if it is too early to cut bait on players underperforming so far...

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 Baez and what the Braves can do to replace Spencer Strider in their rotation. 

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 system by signing a short-term free agent deal next winter and if there's a reason that most d...

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 question topics include why teams wait to place players on the 60-day injured list and whether we could see more teenagers called up in the n...

Mutiny Within the MLBPA, Blake Snell Signs With The Giants And The Dylan Cease Trade

MLBTR'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 free agent outfielders got such drastically different contracts this offseason, and what return Emmanuel C...

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, if the Red Sox could trade Masataka Yoshida and whether Tigers fans should be mad at ownership. Duration: 00:34:48

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 this year, if Matt Chapman could settle for a one-year deal and whether Carlos Santana really improves the Twins. 

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 Bellinger and if the Mariners could sign Blake Snell.