Over the weekend, the Houston Astros were finally able to trade reliever Ryan Pressly to the Chicago Cubs after he agreed to waive his no-trade clause and sign off on the deal. With the trade going through and some money being saved, could this mean the Astros are willing to bring back a familiar face at third base? Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman discuss whether the Pressly-Cubs trade could indicate that Houston is trying to find funds to re-sign Alex Bregman and reunite him with Jose Altuve, ...
Jan 27, 2025•51 min•Ep. 376
The members of the 2025 Baseball Hall of Fame class were announced on Tuesday night. Ichiro Suzuki, C.C. Sabathia and Billy Wagner received the news that they would be enshrined in Cooperstown, adding yet another notable achievement to the legacy of their storied careers. Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman discuss the very deserving class of 2025, including why it’s not a big deal that Ichiro didn’t get 100% of the vote, Sabathia overcoming struggles with addiction that helped him get back into ba...
Jan 24, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 375
The dream offseason that the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers are having continued with the signing of prized Japanese ace Roki Sasaki, right before agreeing to a deal with star closer Tanner Scott. As the Dodgers continue to assemble a team that resembles something out of a video game, many are wondering if this is good for the game of baseball. Jake Mintz is joined by senior writer from The Athletic , Andy McCullough, as they discuss whether Los Angeles’ spending is going a bit too far a...
Jan 21, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 374
While many of the top free agents this offseason have signed and know where they’ll be playing baseball next season, one franchise player still remains on the market and it seems like his old team is ready to move on. After signing Jesse Winker on Thursday, the New York Mets are reportedly ready to pivot their offseason plans away from bringing back franchise first baseman Pete Alonso. Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman discuss why the polar bear has a right to be frustrated with the way things ha...
Jan 17, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 373
We are eight days away from finding out who will be in the Baseball Hall of Fame class of 2025, and while there will surely be a few slam-dunk first-ballot inductees, there will also be one player who is trying to get in on his tenth and final try. Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman discuss the possibility of Ichiro Suzuki becoming the first position player to obtain 100% of the vote, whether CC Sabathia will be elected as a first-ballot Hall of Famer or have to wait a year and if Billy Wagner wil...
Jan 13, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 372
The San Diego Padres are in the midst of a lawsuit battle over ownership that involves the late Peter Seidler’s wife, Sheel Seidler, and his brothers over who should control the team. While this situation doesn’t appear to have a resolution in sight anytime soon, the future of the franchise will certainly hinge on how things unfold. Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman discuss the lawsuit and statement issued by Sheel, the obligation she feels to Padres fans and her late husband’s legacy and her eff...
Jan 09, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 371
With the calendar flipping over to 2025, we are now officially less than two months away from pitchers and catchers reporting for Spring Training. While teams are starting to finalize their rosters for who’s coming to camp, there are still quite a few notable free agents out there looking for jobs. But is time running out for these players to get the deal they’re hoping for? Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman open the show discussing what options Alex Bregman has left since the Houston Astros have...
Jan 06, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 370
The mystery surrounding Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki’s free agency is starting to become a little more clear after teams have reached out to express their interest in the talents of the young, budding ace. With the international signing period approaching rapidly, we might know the fate of where Sasaki will join sooner rather than later. Jordan Shusterman is joined by guest host Kiley McDaniel of ESPN as they take a look at the latest news surrounding Sasaki, including which teams have made thei...
Jan 02, 2025•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 369
The highest-rated free agent starting pitcher is off the board, and the team he chose shocked everyone. Corbin Burnes agreed to a $210 million, 6-year deal with the surprising Arizona Diamondbacks over the weekend and it’s now changed the way people view the already highly competitive NL West division. Jordan Shusterman is joined by guest host Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet to discuss the stunning signing by the Snakes out West, helping them solidify their already impressive rotation. With the...
Dec 30, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 368
The baseball world lost one of its all-time greatest players this past weekend when stolen base king Rickey Henderson passed away at the age of 65. The first-ballot Hall of Famer and larger-than-life character left behind a legacy that will forever be untouchable in the game he so adored. Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman discuss the legacy of the former ten-time All-Star and 1990 AL MVP, his impact on the game during his playing days and how his flashy style is still being felt in the game today...
Dec 23, 2024•59 min•Ep. 367
Brian Cashman and the New York Yankees struck again in their post-Juan Soto pivot, this time acquiring former MVP Cody Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs. While pitching has been at the forefront for the Bronx Bombers so far this offseason, acquiring the two-time All-Star slugger is the first move in trying to assemble an offensive lineup that Cashman hopes will get the Yankees back to the Fall Classic in 2025. Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman discuss the deal, which many thought was inevitable, wh...
Dec 19, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 366
The Chicago Cubs have been in need of a big-time player to join their lineup and improve their offense after a disappointing 2024 season. Late last week, they finally did so by landing one of the most coveted trade chips on the block: Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros. Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman discuss the blockbuster trade that sent the three-time All-Star to the Windy City and why it doesn't matter that the Cubs had to trade a few notable prospects to land the Gold Glove outfielder. T...
Dec 16, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 365
When Juan Soto decided to take his talents from the Bronx to Queens, joining the New York Mets, it forced Brian Cashman to re-evaluate his offseason plans. With many wondering where the New York Yankees would pivot to post-Soto, we got our first glimpse late on Tuesday. Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman talk about Cashman and crew signing former Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Max Fried to an eight-year, $218 million contract. By bolstering the rotation, the Yankees are now trying to spread the w...
Dec 13, 2024•55 min•Ep. 364
As the 2024 MLB Winter Meetings wrap up in Dallas, the baseball world is still discussing the historic contract the New York Mets handed out to Juan Soto. However, on Tuesday, it was another young, budding superstar who had baseball buzzing, when more details emerged about Japanese star pitcher Roki Sasaki and his free agency. Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman discuss the media scrum with Sasaki’s agent, Joel Wolfe, which provided a little more clarity regarding the pitcher’s intentions to come t...
Dec 10, 2024•43 min•Ep. 363
Juan Soto made a decision on Sunday night to keep his talents in New York. However, the future potential Hall of Famer chose to swap boroughs, moving from the Bronx to Queens, where he will reportedly join the New York Mets. Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman discuss, live from the MLB Winter Meetings in Dallas, the historic 15-year, $765 million deal that shook the sports world and created jubilation among Mets fans who hope the 26-year-old outfielder will help lead them to their first World Seri...
Dec 09, 2024•52 min•Ep. 362
The end appears to be in sight for the Juan Soto sweepstakes. With the Winter Meetings set to take place next week in Dallas, all signs point to the superstar selecting a team as the baseball world gathers for the annual event. But will this year’s most anticipated free agency end without one last twist? Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman talk about where things currently stand for the teams still in the running to land the star outfielder. The guys discuss why this whole free agency process has b...
Dec 05, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 361
Starting pitchers are always a priority for teams looking to contend for a title, and this offseason has proven that statement continues to ring true. The New York Mets and Chicago Cubs both struck deals with starting pitchers, as they hope it leads to a stronger rotation than what they had in 2024. Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman discuss Frankie Montas signing with the Mets and why this is only the first part of the Amazins' rotation overhaul, as well as Matthew Boyd joining the Cubs and wheth...
Dec 02, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 360
Now that we’ve had some time to digest the end of what was a remarkable season in baseball, it’s time to look back and remember some of the many highlights that we’ll never forget. It’s time for the annual end-of-year MLB Time Capsule episode. On this episode of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast , Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman are joined by Foolish Bailey as they go in chronological order, pointing out the most memorable moments from the 2024 MLB season, including some that you might’ve forgotten about...
Nov 29, 2024•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 359
Last offseason when Blake Snell was a free agent, it took him and his agent Scott Boras until March 19th to strike a deal with the San Francisco Giants. After opting out of his two-year contract at the end of this season, Snell has struck a deal a lot quicker, and richer, than last offseason. Jake Mintz is joined by Russell Dorsey as they talk bout the two-time Cy Young award winner agreeing to a five-year, $182 million deal with the reigning champion Los Angeles Dodgers. They discuss why Snell ...
Nov 27, 2024•46 min•Ep. 358
The hot stove has been burning for roughly a month now, and the first free agent is off the board. The Los Angeles Angels, as they've done frequently this offseason, struck a deal with starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi for three years and $63 million. Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman discuss the surprising signing and why this could be a positive move for the Angels, who may benefit from the third Wild Card spot. While Los Angeles might not be done making moves, this deal should be an encouraging s...
Nov 25, 2024•54 min•Ep. 357
On Thursday night, the inevitable took place when Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani were both named MVPs of their respective leagues for the 2024 MLB season. While neither result was shocking, the unanimous vote for both further proved how historic and impressive their campaigns were. Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman talk about the decision from the BBWAA to name Ohtani and Judge the best in their leagues, why there truly should’ve never been a doubt that both would win in unanimous fashion and then...
Nov 22, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 356
One of the more highly debated subjects of the baseball offseason is when the Baseball Hall of Fame ballot gets released. This year, however, there will be no debate about if Ichiro Suzuki will be elected, but rather if he will become only the second player ever to be voted into Cooperstown unanimously, joining Mariano Rivera. Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman talk about the case for Ichiro possibly collecting 100% of the votes and the reasons why there might be a handful of voters who don’t vote...
Nov 20, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 355
The biggest fish on the free-agent market continues to be Juan Soto and teams are already doing their best to try to lure him in. That all starts with making a good first (or second) impression on the future Hall of Famer. With the New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays and Boston Red Sox already reportedly making a good impression on Soto during their meetings, the New York Yankees will take their shot this week with the 26-year-old outfielder, hoping to bring him back to the Bronx next season. Jake ...
Nov 18, 2024•50 min•Ep. 354
While there has been a lot of chatter this offseason about the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, and New York Mets, there are also a few teams flying under the radar who might be due to make some noise prior to the 2025 season kicking off. It’s time to dive into the other teams that should be on baseball fans' radars this hot stove season. Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman pick out which teams intrigue them the most following their 2024 campaigns, including the Chicago Cubs and their notable...
Nov 15, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 353
With the 2024 MLB season now in the rearview mirror, the last bit of baseball to take care of is naming the winners of the end-of-year awards. This week, the finalists were announced for MVP, Cy Young, Rookie of the Year and Manager of the Year and it’s time for us to break down who we think will be taking home some hardware. Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman examine all the nominees, whether Aaron Judge will join Shohei Ohtani in being named unanimous MVP, why Zack Wheeler deserves to be the NL ...
Nov 13, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 352
Where there’s smoke, there’s usually fire, and now the baseball world has been set ablaze after the news that Japanese superstar pitcher Roki Sasaki would be posted by the Chiba Lotte Marines. With that news, the 23-year-old flamethrower is poised to be one of the most sought-after free agents this offseason by every team. Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman discuss the excitement around Sasaki, including why this is such a unique and different free-agency experience due to his age, the amount of m...
Nov 11, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 351
Juan Soto has been in the baseball limelight since making his Major League debut at the age of 19 in 2018. Once established as a baseball phenom with the Washington Nationals, many have counted down the days until his inevitable free agency. The time for fans hoping their team lands the big fish has finally arrived. Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman discuss the kickoff of the Juan Soto sweepstakes at the General Managers' Meetings this past week, the possible no-brainer suitors (looking at you, N...
Nov 08, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 350
Fresh off the heels of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrating their eighth championship in franchise history, the team announced that Shohei Ohtani, the 50-50 man, underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder on Tuesday. The injury, sustained during the World Series, was successfully treated and we should see Ohtani back just in time for the start of Spring Training. Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman discuss the severity of Ohtani’s injury and how impressive it was tha...
Nov 06, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 349
The Los Angeles Dodgers held a celebration for the ages last week following their World Series victory over the New York Yankees. Although they won the championship in the COVID-shortened 2020 season, their title this year allowed them to celebrate in the streets and at Dodger Stadium with all their fans. Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman talk about all the scenes from the parade and stadium celebration, including Kiké Hernández dunking on Fat Joe, Jack Flaherty’s perfect t-shirt for the occasion...
Nov 04, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 348
The Los Angeles Dodgers will finally get the celebratory parade they have coveted after not being able to have one following their 2020 World Series championship. Although the series seemed destined to head back to California after the New York Yankees took a 5-0 lead and ace Gerrit Cole was dealing into the fifth inning, a comedy of errors led to that lead disappearing right before their eyes in the pivotal Game 5. Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman talk about the never-say-die Dodgers’ comeback ...
Oct 31, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 347
