Baseball Tonight with Buster Olney - podcast cover

Baseball Tonight with Buster Olney

ESPN, Buster Olneywww.espn.com
ESPN MLB Insider Buster Olney leads the baseball discussion alongside other top analysts.
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Episodes

Cam Schlittler joins to discuss his incredible season + A historic week for walk-off home runs that will give you chills 😲

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...

Jun 12, 202645 min

"He's having the greatest Live Ball season of all-time" 🤯 The facts that put Shohei Ohtani above Babe Ruth in the GOAT conversation

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...

Jun 10, 202649 min

Who is the best pitcher in baseball? + Judge's injury and what that means for him and the Yankees

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...

Jun 08, 202645 min

Who is the most fiery manager in MLB? | Will the Red Sox trade for this Mets star? 🤔

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 ...

Jun 05, 202649 min

ALL OF THE DRAMA at the WCWS; How Ohtani broke out of his slump | Washington Nationals SS CJ Abrams

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...

Jun 03, 202641 min

"It's Over, It's Not Over" - Which division races are already decided at the beginning of June? | Cleveland Guardians 2B Travis Bazzana Joins

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...

Jun 01, 202634 min

Owners formally propose a salary cap. What that means for a potential lockout next season 🤔

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...

May 29, 202633 min

Tarik Skubal's trade destinations | Cardinals pitcher Michael McGreevy joins

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...

May 27, 202642 min

Do we need to change the MVP conversation around Shohei Ohtani? | Brewers sweep Cubs, Tarik Skubal trade outlook, Tony Gwynn Jr. joins the show

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.

May 22, 202648 min

Why the NL is so much better than the AL, Yankees bullpen issues | Mariners exec Jerry Dipoto

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.

May 20, 202649 min

Brewers Cy Young hopeful Jacob Misiorowski joins the show + Tim Kurkjian on the White Sox, Phillies, and more

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...

May 18, 202634 min

The loaded NL Cy Young Race + White Sox GM Chris Getz

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...

May 15, 202648 min

Why so many superstars are struggling + Konnor Griffin joins the show

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!...

May 13, 202647 min

NEW DETAILS about Tarik Skubal's surgery that could be "life-changing" for the game of baseball

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...

May 10, 202647 min

Why the Braves aren't getting too excited + Yankees rotation getting stronger, Favorite John Sterling memories

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 ...

May 08, 202645 min

Did Framber Valdez plunk Trevor Story because he was upset at Boston stealing signs?

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...

May 06, 202638 min

How superstar Elly De La Cruz has gotten even better | BBTN Pod

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....

May 04, 202627 min

How the Red Sox season just went from bad to worse

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...

May 01, 202647 min

Need Friction: Phillies Fire Manager Rob Thomson; Can Philadelphia save its season?

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...

Apr 29, 202627 min

Unexpected: Red Sox Fire Alex Cora; The Timing, The How & The Why; When Will We See Cora Back in the Dugout?

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,...

Apr 27, 202649 min

To Blame: Mets' Twin Wins; Phillies Slide On; Elly De La Cruz Leap Year; New Yankee Unis?

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...

Apr 24, 202646 min

Competitively Disrespectful: Mets Lose 12th Straight; Manny Machado Stops By; NL East Therapy from Bristol

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...

Apr 22, 202654 min

Dry Hacks: Mets Lose 11 Straight; Eric Hosmer on Royals Drama; Ben Rice Breaks Out

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'...

Apr 20, 202651 min

Study: Reds Sal Stewart Stops By; Shohei Ohtani the NL Cy Young Frontrunner?; Rating City Connects

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 ...

Apr 17, 20261 hr

Retire The Number: Rays Chandler Simpson Stops By; Struggling Stars

The Rays’ Chandler Simpson is a menace on the bases. He joins Buster Olney to discuss what other players say about his speed during games, his on-base obsession, pregame bunting regimen, Tony Gwynn, and Jackie Robinson’s on the field fearlessness. Then, ESPN’s David Schoenfield stops by to talk about star players batting under .200 to start the season and Garrett Crochet’s eyebrow raising game. Plus, on a scale of 1-10, how worried are they about the Blue Jays, Mets and Astros. Later, Buster is ...

Apr 15, 202641 min

“Wingspan Like a Condor”: Padres on 5-Game Heater; Francisco Lindor’s problems are getting weird; Bob Costas Stops By

The New York Yankees were thrown into chaos all weekend long because of the Rays’ Chandler Simpson and his speed. Eduardo Pérez and Buster discuss, plus, the San Diego Padres are hot, can the Sacramento Athletics’ pitching hold up at home, what’s up with the Mets’ Francisco Lindor, and who had the idea for every player to wear No. 42 on Jackie Robinson Day. Later, NBC Sports’ Bob Costas stops by to talk about his role on Sunday Night Baseball, Buster’s first encounter with Bob, if managers will ...

Apr 13, 202653 min

Unanimous: Albert Pujols Stops By; Adley Rutschman Has Something to Prove; Budding Braves Star

Future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols joins the podcast! But first, Hembo and Buster talk about the Cardinals’ Jordan Walker, if Konnor Griffin is better than advertised, the Orioles’ Adley Rutschman having something to prove, budding Braves star Drake Baldwin, which pitcher that’s been hurt the most by ABS, and Hembo’s three favorite Pujols stats. Then, the Machine joins the show to discuss which numbers from his career he’s most proud of, his reverence for the Hall of Fame, his idea for the World...

Apr 10, 202653 min

Spear: First Baseball Fight of the Season; Konnor Griffin Gets the Bag; How Two Players from Red Sox Country Made it to the Bronx

Our first baseball fight of the year! The Angels and Braves throw punches, and Atlanta manager Walt Weiss spears Jorge Soler! Plus, the Pittsburgh Pirates sign Konnor Griffin to a 9-year, $120M contract. Then, Buster Olney and Jesse Rogers discuss the messy state of the Cubs’ rotation, the Blue Jays’ rough start, and the Milwaukee Brewers throwing at Red Sox catch Willson Contreras again! Later, Yankees scout Matt Hyde talks about finding diamonds in the rough scouting Ben Rice and Cam Schlittle...

Apr 08, 202647 min

Knoblach’s Agent: Pirates are Must-Watch; Jo Adell’s Acrobatic Robberies; Chris “Mad Dog” Russo on Giants & Ohtani vs. Ruth

Angels right fielder Jo Adell robbed three home runs in one game. Was it the greatest defensive performance we’ve ever seen from an outfielder? Tim Kurkjian and Buster Olney discuss. Plus, the guys talk about Konnor Griffin and Paul Skenes make the Pirates must-watch, the NL Central looks strong, if this is Aaron Boone’s best Yankee team, Kyle Harrison and the Brewers rolling along, and if José Ramírez is the greatest Cleveland Guardian ever. Then, Chris “Mad Dog” Russo talks about the first tim...

Apr 07, 202649 min

Small, Simple Moves: Pirates Call Up #1 Prospect Konnor Griffin; Joe Buck Stops By

Konnor Griffin gets the call to The Show. Eric Hosmer and Buster Olney discuss the Pirates calling up the No. 1 prospect in baseball, the Miami Marlins off to a surprising start, Cam Schlittler cruising, if Shohei Ohtani is actually AI and the Kansas City Royals honoring the late Terrance Gore. Then, Joe Buck stops by to talk about calling the Jackie Robinson Game on ESPN, writing his Baseball Hall of Fame speech, interviewing his kids at a St. Louis Blues game, his dad Jack’s relationship with ...

Apr 03, 202649 min
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