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

Clown Caboose: Exciting First Day of the Postseason; Yankees-Red Sox Recap from the Subway

Hosts Buster Olney, David Cone, Eduardo Perez, and Karl Ravech recap the exciting first day of MLB wildcard series, including the Red Sox-Yankees game from a unique "clown car" recording on the subway, capturing raw fan emotions. They delve into controversial managerial choices, standout player performances like Garrett Crochet playing while sick, and the impact of pitch-tipping. Jesse Rogers also joins to discuss other playoff matchups and the broader implications of recent managerial changes across the league.

Oct 01, 202558 min

Baseball Tonight Live: 2025 MLB Playoff Preview

Tim Kurkjian, Dave Schoenfield, and Buster Olney break down the 2025 MLB playoff picture, discussing the Mets' collapse, the Guardians' historic comeback, and the Blue Jays' surprising division win. They delve into the strengths and weaknesses of contending teams like the Yankees, Dodgers, Brewers, Padres, Mariners, and Phillies, and debate the American and National League MVP races, highlighting Shohei Ohtani's remarkable year and the overall unpredictability of October baseball.

Sep 29, 202542 min

Cacophony of Noise: Final Weekend of the Regular Season; Mets & Reds Clinging to Playoff Hopes; Can the Phillies Pull It Off?

Eric Hosmer and Buster discuss Noelvi Marte saving the Reds’ postseason hopes, the Mets’ upside-down pitching, the Padres and Red Sox bullpen advantages, the Phillies, and the coming ABS System. Then, Sarah Langs plays The Numbers Game. Later, Todd Radom returns with tales from his travels, after exploring the baseball culture in Japan. Plus, the quiz. WATCH SUNDAY'S POSTSEASON PREVIEW SHOW LIVE ON ESPN'S YOUTUBE PAGE CALL THE SHOW: 406-404-8460 EMAIL THE SHOW: BleacherTweets@gmail.com REACH OUT...

Sep 26, 202552 min

Slathered with Cheese: Guardians Overtake Tigers in AL Central; Exciting Night of Baseball; The Mets are Cratering

Buster and David Schoenfield discuss the Mets fighting for their playoff lives, whether the Tigers’ collapse or the Guardians’ comeback is more impressive, who wins the AL East, and where Kyle Tucker, Yordan Alvarez and Bo Bichette’s injuries stand. Then, Hembo stops by to talk about his new book “Got Your Legends,” whether he was allowed to speak on Good Morning America with Mike Greenberg, the official announcement of the balls and strikes challenge system, why Aaron Judge is primed for a brea...

Sep 24, 20251 hr 11 min

Maple Syrup: Cal Raleigh on the Art of Catching; Clown Car Rolls Out of Houston; Clayton Kershaw Retires

David Cone, Karl Ravech, Eduardo Perez and Buster discuss Mariners seeming like the team to beat in the American League, Karl’s conversation Cal Raleigh, the continued push and pull of the AL MVP race, the Guardians forcing their way back into the playoff picture, the Tigers blowing it and why Clayton Kershaw should be a unanimous first-ballot Hall of Famer. Then, Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh chats with Buster in the locker room about when he started catching, connecting with Johnny Bench, watch...

Sep 22, 202545 min

Checkmaster: Brewers Manager Pat Murphy Stops By; Cubs Postseason Return; Ballpark & Beyond

Brewers manager Pat Murphy and Buster discuss keeping guys in “check,” team culture, not playing passively and the state of his team heading into October. Then, Jesse Rogers talks about the Cubs’ first trip to the postseason since 2020, Kyle Tucker’s injury, if Anthony Rizzo should get a statue outside Wrigley Field, the Brewers checking their egos and the Dodgers considering moving Shohei Ohtani to the bullpen. Next, Sarah Langs has an essay on Ohtani. Later, Todd Radom shares the Ballpark &amp...

Sep 19, 20251 hr 7 min

Hoss: Cal Raleigh Continues Making History; Toronto Taking Off; Best Right-Handed Hitters of All Time

Tim Kurkjian and Buster discuss Cal Raleigh's pure strength, Aaron Judge dragging the Yankees back from the abyss, whether the Brewers or Phillies will clinch the No. 1 see in the National League, the Dodgers' disintegrating bullpen, the surging Guardians, the Red Sox missing Roman Anthony and the Blue Jays unleashing Trey Yesavage. Then, Hembo stops by to talk about whether Judge makes his list of five best right-handed hitters ever, Freddy Peralta being the most underrated ace in baseball, and...

Sep 17, 20251 hr 2 min

Coming Down the Stretch: Yankees Red Sox Sunday Night Baseball; Trevor Story Unpacks September

Buster, Eduardo Perez, and David Cone hop in the clown car to break down Yankees at Red Sox and examine how the Mets missing the playoffs could be the most epic collapse in baseball history. The Numbers Game with Sarah Langs. Then Trevor Story explains what the pennant chase is like to Karl Ravech. Plus Bleacher Tweets. CALL THE SHOW: 406-404-8460 EMAIL THE SHOW: BleacherTweets@gmail.com REACH OUT ON X: #BLEACHERTWEETS 6:33 - Clown Car 21:47 - The Numbers Game with Sarah Langs 23:30 - Trevor Sto...

Sep 15, 202534 min

Gangster Movies: The Dodgers Arms; Surging Mariners; Faltering Mets; Actors Who Love Baseball

Alden and Buster Olney discuss all of the playoff races and how the Dodgers seem bored. Then, MLB Network’s Adnan Virk stops by to talk about his new book Cinephile, why Paul Giamatti doesn’t talk about his father Bart Giamatti, actors that are huge baseball fans, and his top three baseball movies. Later, Todd Radom stops by to share the Ballpark & Beyond and administer the quiz. CALL THE SHOW: 406-404-8460 EMAIL THE SHOW: BleacherTweets@gmail.com REACH OUT ON X: #BLEACHERTWEETS 6:08 Alden G...

Sep 12, 20251 hr 7 min

Talkative: Juan Soto & J.T. Realmuto at The Plate; Managerial Changes Abound; Trea Turner Goes Down

Jeff Passan and Buster Olney discuss the Giants sneaking back into the NL Wild Card race, Kyle Schwarber hitting another home run, where the Nationals could land for manager and GM, and if a first round playoff exit would force a manger change for the Phillies. Next, Buster chats with Juan Soto and J.T. Realmuto about their back-and-forth at the plate. Then, Hembo on Trea Turner injury impact, Bryan Woo and the lost art of starter longevity, and the biggest X-factor in the AL playoff field. CALL...

Sep 10, 20251 hr 7 min

Watched and Relaxed: Yankees Win Biggest Series So Far; Angry Phillies Fan Goes After HR Ball; Taylor McGregor on the Cubs

Karl Ravech and Buster hop on the Ravy Train in the absence of a Clown Car. The guys discuss the outrageous behavior of a Phillies fan in Miami, if losing Trea Turner is a fatal blow to Philadelphia’s World Series chances, a wild ending in Baltimore to celebrate Cal Ripken Jr.’s 2131 game, the Yankees winning the most important series of the season so far, Aroldis Chapman’s continued domination, and the passing of Davey Johnson. Then, Marquee Sports Network’s Taylor McGregor talks about the Cubs...

Sep 08, 202555 min

Brawls Were Brawls: Mariners Can’t Pitch on the Road; Michael Kay on Big Yankees-Blue Jays Series; Ballpark & Beyond

David Schoenfield and Buster discuss the impact of Cal Ripken Jr.’s 2131 game 30 years later, Framber Valdez’s agent denying Valdez intentionally hit his catcher, what the heck is going on with the Mariners, the American League wild card race, and the collapsing Reds. Then, the voice of the Yankees Michael Kay stops by to talk about a big series against the Blue Jays, frustrations with umpiring and the latest on Aaron Judge returning to the outfield. Then, Sarah Langs has an essay on Juan Soto. ...

Sep 05, 202556 min

Angry at Your Catcher: Framber Valdez Does Something Buster’s Never Seen; The Phillies’ Nick Castellanos Problem

Tim Kurkjian and Buster discuss Framer Valdez crossing up his catcher, Jason Adams going down for the Padres, the Red Sox extending Aroldis Chapman, the best team in the American League, Shane Bieber looking phenomenal and the Tigers slowing down. Then, Hembo stops by to talk about why the Mets stretch run will be defined by their rookie starters, Kyle Schwarber’s career year and what it means for his next contract, and the Phillies’ Nick Castellanos problem. CALL THE SHOW: 406-404-8460 EMAIL TH...

Sep 03, 20251 hr 2 min

Hide Behind Me: The Clown Car Recaps Braves-Phillies; The Numbers Game

David Cone, Eduardo Perez, Karl Ravech and Buster discuss Hurston Waldrep’s splitter, Brian Snitker being the end of his managerial career, possible replacements for Snitker in Atlanta next season, Jesus Luzardo looking like a different pitcher, and if Kyle Schwarber will stay in Philadelphia. Then, Sarah Langs plays The Numbers Game with help from Aaron Boone. CALL THE SHOW: 406-404-8460 EMAIL THE SHOW: BleacherTweets@gmail.com REACH OUT ON X: #BLEACHERTWEETS 0:00 Clown Car 11:41 Sarah Langs Le...

Sep 01, 202516 min

Who Smells Now?: Mets Sweep the Phillies; Real Ways to Improve MLB; Where Will Kyle Schwarber Land in Free Agency?

Jorge Castillo and Buster discuss Orioles infielder Luis Vazquez — Jorge’s cousin — hitting his first major league home run, the Mets sweeping the Phillies, the rise of Nolan McLean, Philadelphia navigating their pitching without Zack Wheeler, Kyle Schwarber’s upcoming free agency, and if Jorge has a lean in the AL MVP race between Aaron Boone and Cal Raleigh. Then, author Jane Leavy stops by to talk about her new book “Make Me Commissioner” and her concrete suggestions to improve Major League B...

Aug 29, 20251 hr 12 min

Kid Gloves: Reds GM Nick Krall Stops By; West Coast Bias; Toronto’s X-Factor

Tim Kurkjian and Buster discuss an exciting series between the Padres and Mariners, the Cal Raleigh-Aaron Judge MVP race coming down to the season’s final month, Clayton Kershaw continuing to roll, the odd situation with Ketel Marte in Arizona, and which teams may see managerial changes this offseason. Then, Red GM Nick Krall stops by to talk about his team grinding in pursuit of a playoff spot, his moves at the trade deadline to bolster the squad, and his emphasis on playing clean. Later, Hembo...

Aug 27, 202558 min

Different Crew: Red Sox Best Yankees in Weekend Series; Cal Raleigh Records Remarkable Milestone

David Cone, Boog Sciambi and Mike Couzens are in the Clown Car after Sunday Night Baseball, diagnosing the state of the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox. They also discuss what’s next for Anthony Volpe after being benched, Milwaukee honoring Bob Uecker and Cal Raleigh’s historic weekend. Then, Buster talks to Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story. Next. Sarah Langs plays The Numbers Game. Later, Mike Couzens and Doug Glanville talk to Yankees manager Aaron Boone and closer David Bednar for ESPN Radi...

Aug 25, 202550 min

Strategic Deception: Yankees-Red Sox Meet After 2 Months; Cubs & Dodgers Obscuring Issues

David Schoenfield and Buster discuss the Mariners struggling to pitch away from home, Kyle Tucker playing through a hairline fracture in his hand, and how the Dodgers are managing the outfield. Then, Red Sox play-by-play voice Dave O’Brien stops by to talk about the state of the Red Sox with a big series against the Yankees this weekend. Later, Todd Radom shares the Ballpark & Beyond, and administers the quiz. CALL THE SHOW: 406-404-8460 EMAIL THE SHOW: BleacherTweets@gmail.com REACH OUT ON ...

Aug 22, 202550 min

Dope Like You: Judge & Boone’s Differing Injury Stories; Expansion & Realignment Talk; Kyle Tucker Takes a Seat

Tim Kurkjian and Buster discuss why there is no rift between Aaron Judge and Aaron Boone following their differing injury assessments, if Tim is opening to realignment, Buster’s belief the Royals are the 2025 Tigers, Tim’s time in Williamsport, and Nolan McLean’s athleticism. Then, Hembo stops by to talk about Zack Wheeler’s injury news, Kyle Tucker’s struggles and Nick Kurtz putting up freakish numbers. Plus, what are Buster and Tim serving their families on vacation? CALL THE SHOW: 406-404-846...

Aug 20, 202556 min

Brain Is Working: Clown Car Rides Through Williamsport for the Little League Classic

David Cone, Karl Ravech, Eduardo Pérez and Buster are in the Clown Car following the Little League Classic in Williamsport, Pa. The guys discuss a 7-3 Mets win over the Mariners on Sunday Night Baseball, Nolan McLean providing the Mets a spark, Mark Vientos getting going, why Mariners are still the best team in the American League, and the interactions between the Major Leaguers and the Little Leaguers. Then, Sarah Langs plays The Numbers Game with help from the White Sox’s Colson Montgomery and...

Aug 18, 202537 min

Winning Burgers: Dan Shulman on the Blue Jays; Operational Humility in Milwaukee; Big Padres-Dodgers Series This Weekend

Dan Shulman and Buster discuss the Toronto Blue Jays perched atop the American League, the latest on George Springer, wearing down pitchers, the veteran staring pitching, and when we might see top prospect Trey Yesavage. Then, Jesse Rogers stops by to talk about the Brewers’ confidence, the Cubs calling up Owen Caissie, and the Padres taking a lead in the NL West over the Dodgers. Next, Sarah Langs has an essay on Mariners. Later, Todd Radom shares the Ballpark & Beyond, and administers the ...

Aug 15, 202548 min

Always Up To Something: Phillies GM Dave Dombrowski on Trading for Jhoan Duran; AL & NL West Races; Hembo on the Brewers

Tim Kurkjian and Buster discuss the Cal Raleigh as the main attraction during the Little League Classic in Williamsport, the Padres catching the Dodgers in the NL West, the Mariners catching the Astros in the AL West, the Brewers lighting up Paul Skenes, and how Skenes should handle his future on a bad team. Then, Dave Dombrowski talks about his conversations with the Twins when acquiring Jhoan Duran at the trade deadline, if he's ever fearful when executing a trade and the importance of relatio...

Aug 13, 20251 hr 6 min

Old-Timers: Another Clown Car Cameo; Brewers Creating Distance in NL Central; Boog w/ Kyle Tucker

David Cone, Karl Ravech, Eduardo Pérez and Buster combine for a Clown Car as they're walking out of Busch Stadium. The guys discuss the state of the Cardinals and Cubs following Sunday Night Baseball, the Brewers sweeping the Mets, if the New York teams are in danger of falling out of the Wild Card race, Mariano Rivera tearing his achilles, and next week’s Little League Classic. Plus, Eduardo has friends wherever the Clown Car goes. Then, Sarah Langs plays The Numbers Game. Later, Boog Sciambi c...

Aug 11, 202536 min

Mud Birds: Royals GM J.J. Picollo on Deadline Moves & Extending Seth Lugo; Snippets of Desperation in the AL East

Royals GM J.J. Picollo joins Buster to discuss his traded deadline experience, how much the parity in the American League was a factor in making moves, extending Seth Lugo, adding Mike Yastrzemski, and trading Freddy Fermin to the Padres. Then, Alden Gonzalez talks about the tight AL East race, his preseason Mariners’ prediction, the Yankees trying to get Devin Williams right, and Mookie Betts figuring it out at the plate. Then, Sarah Langs on the Brewers reaching 70 wins. Later, Todd Radom shar...

Aug 08, 202553 min

Glut: Aaron Judge Returns; Yankee Panic or Patience; Best Team in the American League; Thin 2026 HOF Class

Hembo and Buster discuss the New York Yankees losing their fifth straight game, Jhoan Duran’s entrance, what makes Cristopher Sánchez so dominant, how trading Rafael Devers unlocked the Red Sox lineup, and baseball is enjoying unprecedented (on-field) parity. Then, Tim Kurkjian and Dave Schoenfield talk about which team is the best in the American League, the complicated situation with Aaron Judge’s return, chances for the Royals and Guardians to get back in the playoff race, and Buster’s idea f...

Aug 06, 20251 hr

Started to Flow: Rob Thomson Crashes Clown Car; Charlie Morton on Getting the Ball in World Series Game 7

Phillies manager Rob Thomson hops in the Clown Car with Buster, Eduardo Pérez, David Cone and Karl Ravech to share his thoughts on Cristopher Sanchez’s performance and using Jhoan Duran in the eighth inning. Then, the guys discuss why the MVP of the weekend was Dave Dombrowski, the best team in the National League, the Marlins sweeping the Yankees, and what Eduardo sees in Agustín Ramírez’s swing. Then, Tigers pitcher Charlie Morton sits down with Buster to talk about when he realized he was goi...

Aug 04, 202558 min

2025 MLB Trade Deadline: Grading All 30 Teams' Moves from Bristol; Cubs GM Jed Hoyer Joins

Jeff Passan, Tim Kurkjian and Buster gather in Bristol following the 2025 MLB trade deadline. The guys dole out grades for all 30 teams, decide whether this was actually the craziest trade deadline in recent years and talk to Chicago Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer. WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE CALL THE SHOW: 406-404-8460 EMAIL THE SHOW: BleacherTweets@gmail.com REACH OUT ON X: #BLEACHERTWEETS 33:19 Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer Learn more about your ad choices. Vi...

Aug 01, 202544 min

Midwest Superstar: Final Trade Deadline Check-In with Jeff Passan; Bryce Harper & Rob Manfred Have It Out

Jeff Passan and Buster discuss the Mariners on the verge of doing more, what makes the relief market so interesting, Shane Bieber’s availability, if the Dodgers should try acquire Steven Kwan, why Jeff thinks the Padres will do something big, and where they think Merrill Kelly will land. Then, Hembo on the passing of Cubs Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg, Bryce Harper sparring with Rob Manfred in the Phillies clubhouse, Emmanuel Clase put on leave over a gambling probe, truth behind Anthony Volpe’s s...

Jul 30, 20251 hr 4 min

A Trade A Day: Clown Car After Mets Sweep Giants; Seth Lugo Extended; Bullpen Musical Chairs

David Cone, Eduardo Pérez and Buster hop in the Clown Car to discuss the state of the Giants and Mets, the Royals extending Seth Lugo and why the Guardians should think about dealing their bullpen arms. Then, Jesse Rogers stops by to talk the favorites to land Eugenio Suarez, the Cubs' pitching target, the Rays' regression, the Tigers' bullpen falling apart, the Astros being ready to make moves, and the mysterious Brewers. Later, hear clips from the Hall of Fame speeches. Plus, a Hall of Fame-th...

Jul 28, 202557 min

Snakes Are Sellers: Clown Car with Coney & Ravy; San Diego's Window Closing; Buster's Top Five

David Cone, Karl Ravech and Buster pile in the Clown Car to discuss the Philadelphia Phillies as a World Series favorite, why the Boston Red Sox can’t take on rentals, and the New York Yankees playing tight. Then, Alden Gonzalez and Jorge Castillo talk about the Yankees’ clunky roster construction, the San Diego Padres’ window closing fast, Mike Elias needing to nail the deadline, and MacKenzie Gore as a potentially big score. Later, Todd Radom returns with the Ballpark & Beyond and quiz. An...

Jul 25, 20251 hr 7 min
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