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Buster Olney is joined by Jorge Castillo and Alden Gonzalez as they take a deep dive into the top World Series contenders and debate which team has the best chance to dethrone the Dodgers as World Series champions. Plus Sarah Langs and Todd Radom join! 0:00 Welcome + Thursday recap 2:50 State of the Dodgers, injuries + Shohei Ohtani greatness 8:39 Will the Dodgers land Tarik Skubal? 13:20 Atlanta Braves 15:40 New York Yankees 20:29 Seattle Mariners 23:02 Philadelphia Phillies 25:45 Milwaukee Bre...
Paul “Hembo” Hembekides and Buster discuss the continued strangeness around Rafael Devers refusing to leave the game after being pinch run, Devers calling the situation a “misunderstanding,” Buster Posey not addressing it with the team, the Kansas City Royals’ Jac Caglianone finding his own, the Cincinnati Reds’ Chase Burns keeping the riverboat afloat, why the Seattle Mariners are the biggest challenger to the New York Yankees in the American League, and if New York Mets’ ace Freddy Peralta is ...
ESPN.com ’s David Schoenfield joins Buster Olney to discuss Rafael Devers’ tantrum after being pinch run, the reality that MLB owners are ready to shut down the sport, the Marlins sweeping the Giants, Kyle Tucker being dropped to seventh in the Dodgers’ lineup, Kyle Schwarber’s three-homer Saturday, a fun series between the October-bound Brewers and Braves, if the Orioles are still alive and the Tigers hanging around in the Al Central. Then, Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol stops by to talk about...
ESPN MLB analyst Doug Glanville joins Buster Olney to discuss the San Francisco Giants listening to trade offers on Rafael Devers, Matt Chapman and Willy Adames, what it’s like to play in the league while being the subject of trade rumors, and whether the Tigers, Red Sox, Mets, Orioles and others should buy or sell at the deadline. Then, Sarah Langs plays The Numbers Game. Plus, Todd Radom on Left O’Duol, the man who opened the door for Japanese players coming to America. Finally, Buster answers...
Washington Nationals manager Blake Butera joins Buster Olney to discuss CJ Abrams leading the All-Star voting for NL shortstops, his team’s offense racking up runs, leadership from his young core and adjusting to life as a new dad. Then, ESPN’s Jesse Rogers stops by to talk about why the Cubs need to loosen up, incoming makeovers for the Giants and Mets, why the White Sox have staying power, the Cardinals continue to amaze and confuse, and if Nick Kurtz is the AL MVP frontrunner with Aaron Judge...
Tim Kurkjian joins to talk about Jacob Misiorowski's latest historical performance: a 15-strikeout complete-game 1-hitter. Buster and Tim also discuss Tarik Skubal's return and what that means for the Tigers, the white hot White Sox, and Pete Crow-Armstrong's correlation to the Cubs' success. Braves All-Star first baseman Matt Olson then joins to discuss one of the most underrated parts of his game: his arm. He also shares a surprising story about the closest he's come to missing a game during h...
Yankees pitcher and AL Cy Young frontrunner Cam Schlittler joins the show to discuss his mindset, his epic postseason debut against the Red Sox last year, how he learned to hit 100 mph, and he shares a great story about how Aaron Judge helped him in a time of need. Jorge Castillo then joins to discuss Schlittler's dominance, the storybook walk-off home runs from Bryce Eldridge and Braden Montgomery, the Cardinals surprising season, and if Mets President of Baseball Operations David Stearns is on...
We begin with Braden Montgomery hitting a spectacular walk-off home run in his MLB debut. Hembo then stops by to discuss the crazy Athletics-Brewers game from Monday, the Red Sox woes, why Alex Bregman is doing so poorly at Wrigley Field for the Cubs, how Ohtani's two-way season this year exceeds any season of Babe Ruth's, and more. Eduardo Perez then joins to preview the best MLB prospects in the College World Series starting on ESPN this weekend, why Las Vegas will be an even worse ballpark fo...
Eric Hosmer joins Buster Olney to talk about Jacob Misiorowski's latest firecracker outing where he threw 45 pitches over 101 mph! Is he the best pitcher in baseball over Paul Skenes, Shohei Ohtani, and Cristopher Sanchez? They also talk through: Aaron Judge's injury and what it means for him and the Yankees this season, Fernando Tatis Jr's struggles, and the AL Wild Card Race. David Schoenfield then stops by to chat Misiorowski, Houston's recent surge, and Roki Sasaki's emergence for the Dodger...
Hembo joins the show to discuss Cristopher Sanchez's historic month, a superstar the Red Sox should trade for, Michael Harris II's incredible improvement, Ben Rice's breakout, Bobby Witt Jr.'s obscurity, and how ABS has dramatically helped left-handed hitters. Blue Jays broadcaster Dan Shulman then stops by to discuss all things Toronto and how the Blue Jays finally have light at the end of the tunnel. Him and Buster then get into a discussion for a manager that is replacing Aaron Boone as most ...
Jessica Mendoza joins us ahead of the Women's College World Series title rematch between Texas and Texas Tech, recapping all of the drama the tournament has given in the last week (brawls, slander, pregnant pitchers, unique game management... and more!). She also dives into the Dodgers season so far and what she thinks Ohtani's next mountain to climb will be. Washington Nationals All-Star shortstop CJ Abrams then gives us the inside details on his "alien" nickname, the toughest pitcher to hit, a...
Tim Kurkjian joins Buster Olney as they play a game of "It's Over, It's Not Over" to discuss which division races are already decided as we enter the month of June. They also talk more about the potential for a lockout next season. Cleveland Guardians rookie second basemen Travis Bazzana then joins to discuss his homeland of Australia and their spiders, his approach to hitting that allows him to draw walks at a record-setting pace, and the Guardians attempt to go for another division title. 0:00...
Jesse Rogers joins the show to discuss the news today that MLB owners formally proposed a salary cap for the first time since the 1994 strike. He and Buster dive into how the players union feels about it, and how it affects the prospects for a lockout when the current CBA expires on Dec. 1. They also discuss how the Brewers continue to be successful year-after-year, and where Tarik Skubal might end up. Sarah Langs joins as she does every Friday for The Numbers Game, and Todd Radom tells us about...
Hembo joins the show to discuss Houston's no-hitter and if it might impact their "seller" status at the trade deadline. Buster and Hembo also discuss Tarik Skubal's potential destinations, including the team Buster thinks will land him. They also hit on JJ Wetherholt's rise, Jacob Misiorowski's dominance, and Nolan McLean's struggles. Cardinals pitcher Michael McGreevy then joins the show to discuss his game, why he was upset about his college coach's decision to move him from a two-way player t...
This episode delves into the Milwaukee Brewers' sweep of the Chicago Cubs, highlighting the Cubs' defensive and pitching struggles. The conversation also explores potential trade deadline scenarios, including Tarik Skubal of the Tigers, the Astros' fading dominance, and the Orioles' development issues. Guests weigh in on Shohei Ohtani's unparalleled two-way performance and whether MVP criteria should change, plus the heated Padres-Dodgers rivalry. The show concludes with a segment on underrated MLB ballparks.
Buster Olney and Hembo analyze the National League's superior performance against the American League, attributing it to higher spending, and discuss the Mets' strategic youth movement. The conversation also covers standout players like Brice Turang and Cam Schlittler, along with the Yankees' bullpen struggles and the Giants' unique batting approach. Later, Mariners President of Baseball Operations Jerry Dipoto offers insights on rookie Colt Emerson, Julio Rodriguez's strong start, Cal Raleigh's challenges, and his philosophy on the trade deadline.
Jacob Misiorowski joins the show to talk about his lights-out performance against the Yankees, the first time he hit 100 mph, his unique relationship with manager Pat Murphy, and more. Then Tim Kurkjian stops by to discuss why hope prevails for the ailing Tigers (and the rest of the AL), the white hot White Sox, the loaded NL Cy Young Race, the Phillies surge, and the best baseball story of the week in St. Louis. 0:00 Intro and welcome 0:41 Weekend Headlines: Phillies, Dodgers, Padres, and White...
Welcome back to the Baseball Tonight podcast! Jorge Castillo joins the show to discuss the loaded NL Cy Young Race between Shohei Ohtani, Paul Skenes, Jacob Misiorowski, and a 4th pitcher who might be the best of all. Buster and Jorge then break down which players on the Mets, Red Sox, and Astros could be dealt at the trade deadline, and finish by discussing what Anthony Volpe should do to keep himself on the Yankees Roster. White Sox GM Chris Getz then joins as we go inside Chicago's rebuild in...
Welcome back to the Baseball Tonight Podcast! Pirates rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin joins the show to discuss his adjustment to life in the Big Leagues, the toughest pitchers he's faced, and his favorite ballparks he's played in so far. Hembo then swings by to share why several stars, including Shohei Ohtani, Cal Raleigh, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. are struggling. Then injury expert Stephania Bell goes in-depth on Tarik Skubal's surgery. We end with Bleacher Tweets about the Orioles and Padres!...
Welcome back to the Baseball Tonight podcast, publishing a day early because of breaking news surrounding Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal. His agent, Scott Boras, joined us to give us the details surrounding this first-time surgical procedure on an MLB player that could cut Skubal's recovery time in half. He also shares his memories about the late Bobby Cox. ESPN's Jesse Rogers then hops on to discuss the surprising reason for the Cubs early-season success, and who they could target at the trade dea...
Welcome back to the Baseball Tonight Podcast! Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos joins us to detail why he's not getting too excited yet about the Braves best start since 1998, how Matt Olson is getting even better, and his reaction to 62-year-old manager Walt Weiss' tackle during last month's brawl. Yankees fan Rich Eisen then stops by to talk about his favorite John Sterling memories, the time he creeped out Don Mattingly, and how scary the Yankees rotation can be with Carlos Rodon and Gerrit Cole on ...
Benches cleared after Tigers pitcher Framber Valdez hit Red Sox batter Trevor Story on Tuesday. Valdez said it was not intentional, while Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said it was a "low moment" for the team. Speculation abounds that Valdez was upset about the Boston stealing signs, rather than the two home runs they hit before Story was beaned. Eduardo Perez joins to break it all down. Later on, Hembo hops on to discuss Matt Olson's hot streak, Rafael Devers slow start, and the rookie who is raking...
Reds Manager Terry Francona joins the show to discuss Elly De La Cruz's improvements this year, what has made rookie Sal Stewart so special early on, and why Boston is such a brutal place to leave as a manager. Then Hunter Pence swings by to talk about two Japanese "rookies" who are lighting up the big leagues: Munetaka Murakami with the White Sox and Kazuma Okamoto with the Blue Jays. He also discusses the biggest threat to the Dodgers' crown and why the Giants have struggled to start the year....
The Boston Red Sox received bad news with star pitcher Garrett Crochet headed to the IL, just a few days after firing manager Alex Cora. Buster Olney and Alden Gonzalez discuss the Red Sox fate this year. They also dive into the Dodgers tactic of benching Shohei Ohtani as a DH when he pitches; how the Atlanta Braves have the best record in baseball; and the resurgence of the Seattle Mariners. Blue Jays pitcher Kevin Gausman joins the show to discuss Toronto's season, and Sarah Langs plays the nu...
The Philadelphia Phillies have official fired manager Rob Thomson and named Don Mattingly the interim manager. Buster Olney and Paul "Hembo" Hembekides discussing Thomson's dismissal, why it should've happened after the 2025 postseason, the outlook on Mattingly at interim, where recently fired Alex Cora fits into this puzzle, and Buster's advice for Cora while he examines the landscape. Plus, panic or patience on the Dodgers' Kyle Tucker, Yordan Álvarez looking downright terrifying, Craig Stamme...
The Boston Red Sox fire manager Alex Cora, in a stunning early-season move. Buster Olney and Rob Bradford (WEEI, Baseball Isn't Boring) discuss the timing of the firing, how it went down, the power struggle with GM Craig Breslow, what the Red Sox are losing in Cora, John Henry's disappearing act, and when they think we'll see Cora managing again. Then, ESPN's Jesse Rogers stops by to talk about what kind of impact new Red Sox manager Chad Tracy can have on the lineup, Breslow's leadership style,...
The streak is dead! The Mets win two in a row over the Minnesota Twins. Buster Olney and Hembo discuss the Mets’ playoff chances, Buster’s wacky trade idea for Philadelphia, the Phillies’ hilariously thin lineup, the Padres’ sale price, Elly De La Cruz beginning to break out, and why the Athletics should lock up Shea Langeliers. Then, Todd Radom talks about Yankee players pushing for alternate road uniforms, and the Royals drawing new plans for a stadium in Crown Center. Later, Sarah Langs plays...
The New York Mets lose their 12th straight game! Buster Olney, David Schoenfield and Jorge Castillo convene in Bristol to discuss the Mets’ tailspin, if the age of the Philadelphia Phillies’ lineup is a hinderance, and why this is the Braves team of two years ago. Then, San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado stops by to talk about which milestone number is important to him, Mason Miller’s dominance, alternate history with Aaron Judge on the Padres, the sale of the franchise for $3.9 billio...
The Mets are in a tailspin. Is Carlos Mendoza's job on the line in Queens? Eric Hosmer and Buster Olney talk about why there's no drama between Salvador Perez and manager Matt Quatraro, the Kansas City Royals early struggles, Ben Rice breaking out for the Yankees, who goes to the bullpen in New York when Carlos Rodón returns, and which teams they think are underrated to watch. Then, ESPN's MLB draft and prospect expert Kiley McDaniel discuss how Kiley scouted Cincinnati Red Sal Stewart, what he'...
Is Shohei Ohtani the Cy Young frontrunner in the NL? Hembo and Buster discuss that, plus, the Mets’ lineup struggles and Mason Miller mowing guys down. Then Cincinnati Reds infielder Sal Stewart stops by to chat with Buster about his big weekend in Miami, how studying gives him confidence, his at-bat approach, and which pitcher gave him a good cat-and-mouse game. Then, Alden González stops by to talk about what stood out during Jackie Robinson Day at Dodger Stadium, Ohtani’s ridiculous pitching ...
