Baseball America

With the hot stove seemingly too cool at the moment, hosts Geoff Pontes and Dylan White bring some holiday heat with our latest installment in the dynasty positional ranking series. This week we breakdown a loaded outfield group with some of the top talents in the game. We talk you through the top 25 and some names to targets as sleepers.(2:30) Why Juan Soto over Corbin Carroll?(5:00) Why Julio Rodriguez over Aaron Judge?(7:30) Do you discount Jackson Chourio in OBP leagues?(10:30) Laying out Tatis, Acuna and Kyle Tucker(13:30) Who makes the biggest jump in 2026 between Wyatt Langford, James Wood and Roman Anthony?(17:00) Weighing risks with Yordan Alvarez, Pete Crow-Armstrong and Jackson Merrill(22:00) Ranking the power hitters(26:00) Aggressive ranking of Edward FlorentinoCashAppDownload Cash App Today: https://capl.onelink.me/vFut/hap8idx8 #CashAppPod. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. See terms and conditions at https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-agreement. Direct deposit and promotions provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit http://cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures.Our Sponsors:* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On this week's Prospect Podcast Geoff Pontes and JJ Cooper go in-depth into explaining tools grades, BA grades and risk, adjusted grades and everything else about the Prospect Handbook.(00:00) Why We're A Day Late(04:30) What Is The Prospect Handbook(06:40) So What Is The 20-to-80 Scouting Scale And How Does It Work?(11:00) Looking At No. 1 Prospect Konnor Griffin's Tools Grades(14:30) Comparing Konnor Griffin's Tools To Bobby Witt Jr.'s Tools(17:15) Explaining BA Grades And Risk(23:00) Why Kevin McGonigle Has An 80 Hit Tool(24:30) What Adjusted Grades Are, And How We Use Them(32:00) Geoff's Prospect Soapbox: Astros OF Lucas Spence(35:20) JJ's Prospect Soapbox: Tigers SS John PeckOrder Your Prospect Handbook Here: https://baseballamerica.myshopify.com/collections/books/products/2026-baseball-america-prospect-handbookCashAppDownload Cash App Today: https://capl.onelink.me/vFut/hap8idx8 #CashAppPod. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. See terms and conditions at https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-agreement. Direct deposit and promotions provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit http://cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures.Our Sponsors:* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On this week's Hot Sheet Show, J.J. Cooper, Jacob Rudner and Scott Braun discuss a number of topics, including candidates for the 1-1 spot in the 2026 MLB Draft, new tech restrictions in MiLB and Genei Sato coming to the U.S. from Japan.We stream the Hot Sheet Show every Monday at 3:30 p.m. ET on YouTube.Time Stamps(0:00) Introduction & A's top 10 (2:00) Post-lottery mock draft (3:15) Could someone other than Roch Cholowsky go 1-1? (7:00) Top college arms in the draft (8:30) Could a transfer surprise? (11:45) Reacting to The Athletic's report on potential tech limits in the minors (22:45) Genei Sato headed to the United StatesOur Sponsors:* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

There's no position as deep as shortstop in dynasty as the rankings are bubbling over with major league talent and top prosects. This week on the Baseball America Fantasy Podcast we dive into this incredibly talented shortstop group. We open the show talking about some of the big name signings from the 2025 Winter Meetings before diving into Bobby Witt Jr., Elly De La Cruz, Gunnar Henderson, Konnor Griffin and more. (2:00) Pete Alonso signs with the Orioles.(5:00) Kyle Schwarber returns to the Phillies.(7:00) Edwin Diaz signs with the Dodgers(10:00) Bobby Witt Jr. best player in dynasty.(13:00) Elly De La Cruz vs Gunnar Henderson(15:00) How good is Konnor Griffin?(21:00) Neto over Lindor, why?(23:00) The old guard of Mookie Betts, Trea Turner and Corey Seager are aging. Is it time to fade?(26:00) Geraldo Perdomo broke out in 2025, can he repeat it?(28:00) Sleepers!Our Sponsors:* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Baseball America's J.J. Cooper, Geoff Pontes and Jacob Rudner recap the major league phase of the 2025 Rule 5 Draft. They offer their favorite picks, players most likely to stick with their new organizations, biggest surprises and more.(1:40) General takeaways(6:47) How hard is it to nail hitters in the Rule 5(10:12) Favorite picks(21:46) Surprises(27:02) Picks to stick and candidates to be returned(33:54) Standout MiLB phase picks(35:35) Final thoughtsOur Sponsors:* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Baseball America national college reporter Jacob Rudner and national writer Peter Flaherty take one final look back at a busy fall to review training-season breakouts. They also look ahead at the spring and predict the nation's best performers, rotations and lineups.(3:35) What do we mean by fall all-stars?(4:48) How we gather feedback(10:28) Arkansas catcher Ryder Helfrick(16:19) Kansas first baseman Brady Ballinger(21:59) UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky(35:26) College star vs. Pro prospect(44:16) The Big Five College Arms(53:31) Sleeper rotations(58:58) Best rotations(1:03:48) Sleeper lineups(1:11:23) Best lineupsOur Sponsors:* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On this week's Hot Sheet Show, Carlos Collazo, Ben Badler and Jacob Rudner preview the MLB Draft lottery and debate which teams would benefit the most from having the ping pong balls fall their way to be able to draft UCLA’s Roch Cholowsky.We also break down other top players in the 2026 draft class and react to the Mariners trading Harry Ford to the Nationals.We stream the Hot Sheet Show every Monday at 3:30 p.m. ET on YouTube.Time Stamps(0:00) Introduction (0:55) MLB Draft lottery: Odds for drafting Roch Cholowsky (4:30) Who was the last premier 1-1 prospect before Cholowsky? (6:30) Is the draft lottery food for baseball? (7:45) Other top draft names to watch after Cholowsky (10:10) Which teams stand to gain the most in the lottery? (14:15) The rise of need-based drafting (16:25) Standouts from the 2026 prep ranks (18:30) How does the 2026 draft class compare to last year? (21:35) Reacting to the Mariners trading Harry Ford to the NationalsOur Sponsors:* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Carlos and Peter talk about the top four college pitchers in the 2026 draft class. The two dive deep on righthanders Liam Peterson, Cameron Flukey, Jackson Flora and Joey Volchko. They talk through their strengths, weaknesses and their overall development arcs ahead of the spring season. —Time Stamps(0:00) Intro(2:00) Our general thoughts on the college pitching(5:00) Liam Peterson(12:00) Cameron Flukey(19:00) Jackson Flora(28:00) Joey VolchkoOur Sponsors:* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On this week's episode of the Baseball America Fantasy podcast hosts Geoff Pontes and Dylan White once again open the show with yet another Blue Jays free agent signing. We then discuss a few more hot stove topics before diving into the third baseman rankings for dynasty.(2:00) Cody Ponce signs with the Blue Jays(6:00) Devin Williams signs with the Mets.(9:00) Ryan Helsley signs with Orioles(13:00) Junior Caminero No. 1 and there's little conversation.(15:00) Is now the time to sell Jose Ramirez?(17:00) Can Austin Riley bounce back?(24:00) Third Base is very risky after the top 12.Your Holiday wardrobe awaits! Get 20% off @chubbies with the code foul at chubbiesshorts.com/foul #chubbiespodOur Sponsors:* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On the final episode of our "Fix It" Series, Geoff Pontes and JJ Cooper take on a big task, as we look at the Angels. What's gone wrong for the Angels, and how can it be turned around?(00:00) Why The Angels Have Been The Worst Over The Past Decade(04:00) What Are The Biggest Problems?(14:30) Drafts Need To Go Deeper(23:45) Slow Down Development(30:00) Depth Has Been A Problem(41:30) Farm System UpdateYour Holiday wardrobe awaits! Get 20% off @chubbies with the code foul at chubbiesshorts.com/foul #chubbiespodOur Sponsors:* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On this week's Hot Sheet Show, J.J. Cooper, Geoff Pontes and Josh Norris dissect the new Yankees Top 10 prospects list for 2026, including a name knocking on the door for the top spot and the status of Spencer Jones.We also take a look at Arizona Fall League standouts and a big problem facing the winter league.We stream the Hot Sheet Show every Monday at 3:30 p.m. ET on YouTube.Time Stamps(0:00) BA's Cyber Monday Sale Ends TONIGHT—Last chance to save 40% (1:15) George Lombard Jr. tops our Yankees top 10 (6:00) The rise of Dax Kilby (11:30) Where does Spencer Jones rank? (17:05) How do Spencer Jones and Jasson Dominguez factor in the OF? (19:30) Could Jones continue to improve? (21:30) Dishing on the Arizona Fall LeagueOur Sponsors:* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Christmas came early for our resident Blue Jays fan Dylan White as the team signed Dylan Cease. Hosts Geoff Pontes and Dylan open the show discussing the Cease signing and the impact on fantasy for 2026. We follow with a discussion of the Sonny Gray trade and al the players moved in that deal. The majority of the show dives into our recently released second baseman rankings for 2026 dynasty baseball.(2:00) Dylan Cease signs with the Blue Jays.(4:00) Sonny Gray trade, how will Gray fair in Boston? Expectations for Richard Fitts and Brandon Clarke.(12:00) Jazz Chisholm keeping the seat warm for Kevin McGonigle?(16:00) Ketel Marte underrated?(20:00) Three man battle: Jackson Holliday vs Luke Keaschall vs Brice Turang.(24:00) Older players on the downswing vs the young bucks.(27:00) Chase Meidroth sleeper.(30:00) Otto Lopez sleeper.Take advantage of Ridge’s Biggest Sale of the Year and GET UP TO 47% OFF by going to Ridge.com/FOUL #RidgepodOur Sponsors:* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week on the next episode of our Fix It series, Geoff Pontes and JJ Cooper take a look at the White Sox. The good news is the worst is now in the rear-view mirror. The bad news? There's still a lot of work to be done.(00:00) Rock Bottom Is Behind Them(05:00) The Last Rebuild Worked, But Not For Long Enough(07:30) What MLB Players Are Core For Future Success?(12:30) Comparing Colson Montgomery and a different young shortstop(15:00) What The Sox Farm System Has, And Where It's Still Lacking(19:00) White Sox Pitching Prospects, Good News But More Needed(25:00) The White Sox Prospect Who Could Crack The Top 10 In A Year(26:30) Other Hitters Who Could Help(31:00) How This Rebuild Could Stall Out(36:30) A Couple Of Other Hitters To WatchDownload Cash App Today: capl.onelink.me/vFut/hap8idx8 #CashAppPod. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. See terms and conditions at cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-agreement. Direct deposit and promotions provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures.Our Sponsors:* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Baseball America national college reporter Jacob Rudner and national writer Peter Flaherty look ahead to the 2026 preseason and break down their process for putting together the Preseason Top 25. Rudner and Flaherty also take a closer look at the teams vying for top-five rankings in 2026 and Omaha sleepers.Time Stamps(4:55) Main considerations when putting together the Preseason Top 25(11:06) The debate at No. 1(21:23) Breaking down the top of the SEC(37:52) Our way too early top fives(40:10) Omaha sleepersOur Sponsors:* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On this week's Hot Sheet Show, J.J. Cooper, Geoff Pontes, Matt Eddy and Scott Braun discuss a variety of topics, including the Pirates' and Marlins' free agency plans, our Red Sox Top 10 Prospects list on and the state of the Mets' system.We stream the Hot Sheet Show every Monday at 3:30 p.m. ET on YouTube.Time Stamps(0:00) Baseball America's Black Friday sale—Get 40% off any annual digital subscription(2:00) Reacting to The Athletic's story about the Pirates' potential FA spending(10:00) How the Marlins can improve, too(13:15) Red Sox Top 10 Prospects(19:00) View follow-up question on Pirates/Marlins(23:30) What's next for the Mets' system?Our Sponsors:* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This year teams left more first-round players unprotected from the Rule 5 draft than we’ve seen in a decade. Carlos and Peter revisit some of the high-profile misses from the 2021 and 2022 drafts and what lessons we might be able to draw from them. —Time Stamps(0:00) Intro(3:00) Unprotected player talk begins(7:00) Frank Mozzicato (11:00) Gavin Cross(14:30) Benny Montgomery & toolsy players(20:00) 2022 college bats we missed on(28:00) A calibration for amateur tool grades(32:00) Did the covid ripple effect impact the hit rate?(36:30) Reggie Crawford(40:00) 2022 HS players who might be at riskOur Sponsors:* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dynasty rankings season is in full swing at Baseball America, as hosts Geoff Pontes and Dylan White jump into their second positional ranking breakdown of the offseason. The open the show discussing the Grayson Rodriguez for Taylor Ward trade before diving into the Top 10 first basemen.Time Stamps(1:00) Grayson Rodriguez/Taylor Ward trade reaction(9:30) Nick Kurtz reigns supreme across the first base landscape(12:30) Why Bryce Harper at No. 3?(15:00) Questions about Pete Alonso, Rafael Devers, Matt Olson & Freddie Freeman entering 2026(20:00) The Josh Naylor problem(22:00) Why is Vinnie Pasquantino still underrated?(24:00) Is Michael Busch a top 10 first baseman?(27:00) Kyle Manzardo's sneaky 2025Go to https://MeUndies.com/foul and enter promo code foul for up to 50% off! Our Sponsors:* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We've got the Rule 5 fever. Geoff Pontes and J.J. Cooper are a day late with the Prospect Podcast this week, but it's for a good reason, as we've been busy working on the 40-man roster protection deadline and doing our early Rule 5 draft preview work. We talk about that and discuss the Orioles-Angels trade that saw Grayson Rodriguez and Taylor Ward swap coasts.Time Stamps(00:00) A Rule 5 name to watch(10:00) Explaining Rule 5 rules, as well as what the 40-man roster deadline is about(16:00) Trends we noticed in 40-man roster additions(19:00) Why the fireballing Class A pitcher doesn't get picked anymore(23:00) Traits to look for when trawling for Rule 5 picks(28:30) It was a bad year for first-round picks being protected, especially for one team(32:00) Two teams with perfect first-round protection records recently(34:00) A few sneaky things to look for in the Rule 5 draft(38:00) Analyzing the Grayson Rodriguez-Taylor Ward tradeRule 5 Draft Preview: https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/2025-rule-5-draft-preview-top-players-to-know/Get 15% off The Perfect Jean with the code FOUL15 at https://theperfectjean.nyc/FOUL15 #theperfectjeanpodOur Sponsors:* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On this week's Hot Sheet Show, J.J. Cooper, Ben Badler and Geoff Pontes discuss a number of topics, including the Dodgers' new top 10, Tuesday's 40-man roster deadline and the Brewers' unique strategy for finding value later in the MLB Draft.We stream the Hot Sheet Show every Monday at 3:30 p.m. ET on YouTube.Time Stamps(0:00) Introduction (1:00) Digging into Ben's story on the Brewers' unorthodox draft strategy (12:00) 40-man roster deadline—what should we expect Tuesday? (15:45) Which traits will teams want to target in the Rule 5 draft? (20:00) Dodgers Top 10 Prospects—how does LA keep doing it?Our Sponsors:* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week on the Baseball America Fantasy Podcast hosts Geoff Pontes and Dylan White discuss catchers in the first installment of their positional rankings. We also talk about a trio of talented NPB imports and their potential FYPD rankings.(2:00) Munetaka Murakami(11:00) Tatsuya Imai(21:00) Kazuma Okamoto(27:00) Cal Raleigh No.1(29:00) Samuel Basallo and his aggressive ranking(31:00) Ben Rice full time at bats and the upside potential(34:00) Agustin Ramirez and the tale of two halves(36:00) Reasons behind the aggressive Rainiel Rodriguez ranking(37:00) Dylan's target of Francisco Alvarez(39:00) Geoff's target of Adley Rutschman(42:00) Why we're fading Hunter GoodmanCheck out square.com/go/FOUL and go support your favorite neighborhood spot to see what Square has been up to in your neck of the woods.Our Sponsors:* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy