Baseball America

Baseball America national college reporter Jacob Rudner is joined by BA national writer Carlos Collazo to discuss reigning national champion LSU's stunning fall out of the Top 25 for the first time since 2024. Rudner and Collazo also give insights into how the Baseball America Top 25 is decided, break down at teams on the rise and look ahead to the draft.(3:19) What's happening to LSU(8:55) Explaining BA Poll Mechanics(14:29) The challenge of ranking Big Ten teams(22:56) Southern California stock booming(29:47) Florida State enters the top 10(39:21) Things we're looking forward to this weekend(48:10) Lingering thoughtsOur Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Progressive: https://progressive.com* Check out Quince: https://quince.com/BA2022Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On this week's Hot Sheet Show, Jacob Rudner, Ben Badler and Carlos Collazo talk about prospects in the World Baseball Classic finals spotlight, Spring Breakout players to watch and the NCAA Top 25.The Hot Sheet Show airs live on the BA YouTube channel every week on Tuesday at 3 p.m. Give us a sub, and we'll see you then!Time Stamps(0:00) Introduction(0:45) U.S. vs. Venezuela in the WBC—Nolan McLean on the mound(6:25) More standout players in the WBC(9:45) Championship predictions(12:00) MLB Spring Breakout—who we're excited to see(16:30) First 2025 draft pick to make MLB(19:30) Breakout picks for 2026(23:05) LSU out of the Top 25Our Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Progressive: https://progressive.com* Check out Quince: https://quince.com/BA2022Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We're going deep on each of the top prospects in the NL East. We explain how each respective player climbed to No. 1 in their system, run through their scouting reports and lay out what you should expect in 2026.Time Stamps(0:00) — Cam Caminiti, Braves(8:10) — Aidan Miller, Phillies(16:35) — Nolan McLean, Mets(27:05) — Thomas White, Marlins(35:25) — Eli Willits, NationalsOur Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Progressive: https://progressive.com* Check out Quince: https://quince.com/BA2022Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Baseball America Fantasy podcast returns for the weekend with another divisional prospect preview. After running through the American League over the last three weeks, we jump to the National League and the talented NL West division. Hosts Geoff Pontes and Dylan White breakdown all the Phillies, Mets, Braves, Marlins and Nationals prospects to know for 2026 and beyond.Phillies(2:00) Justin Crawford(4:00) Andrew Painter(7:00) Aidan Miller(9:00) Cody Bowker(11:00) Cade ObermuellerMets(13:00) Nolan McLean(14:00) Carson Benge(15:00) AJ Ewing(16:00) Jonah Tong(18:00) Will WatsonBraves(21:00) JR Ritchie(22:00) Didier Fuentes(23:00) Diego Tornes(25:00) Garrett Baumann(26:00) Lucas BraunMarlins(28:00) Robby Snelling(30:00) Thomas White and Kevin DeFrank(33:00)Fenwick Trimble and Andrew SalasNationals(35:00) Harry Ford (37:00) Jarlin Susana and Travis Sykora(39:00) Devin Fitz-Gerald and Christian FranklinOur Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Progressive: https://progressive.com* Check out Quince: https://quince.com/BA2022Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On this week's Draft Podcast Carlos Collazo and JJ Cooper take an in-depth look at a pair of fascinating and famous college outfielders. LSU outfielder Derek Curiel and Georgia Tech's Drew Burress are the top two college outfielders on our draft rankings, but both draw varied responses from scouts and front office officials. We take a look at why.(0:00) Eric Booth Jr. vs. Kevin Roberts Jr.(4:00) Derek Curiel convo begins(10:00) Why JJ is skeptical(17:30) The college outfield demographic is scary(23:30) Drew Burress enters the fold(31:00) Why the right-right OF demographic is critiqued(34:00) A shifting bias for short hitters(48:00) On being OK with uncertaintyScouting 101 on Derek Curiel: https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/scouting-derek-curiel-a-polished-pure-hitter-with-power-questions/Scouting 101 on Drew Burress:https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/scouting-drew-burress-a-tooled-up-college-bat-challenging-first-round-norms/Our Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Progressive: https://progressive.com* Check out Quince: https://quince.com/BA2022Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Baseball America national college reporter Jacob Rudner and prospect writer Geoff Pontes look back at an upset-filled week in college baseball, including LSU's 1-4 showing that caused it to slide from the top 10. Rudner and Pontes also consider whether the SEC's grip on the top of college baseball has loosened.(1:49) LSU's big blunder(9:18) Florida drops back out of the top 20(16:42) Mississippi State and Texas look elite(21:52) Is the SEC losing its grip(33:00) Southern California pitching(38:21) Wake Forest cracks the top 20(39:49) What we're looking forward to in Week 5HELLO FRESH:Get 10 free meals and a FREE Zwilling Knife (a $144.99 value) on your third box at HelloFresh.com/FT10FM. Offer valid while supplies last. Free meals applied as a discount on first box, new subscribers only, varies by plan.Our Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Progressive: https://progressive.com* Check out Quince: https://quince.com/BA2022Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

With USA Baseball's WBC hopes completely out of their own hands, Carlos Collazo, JJ Cooper and Geoff Pontes gathered for an emergency podcast to discuss what happened in Team USA's loss to Italy, how it happened and what it could mean going forward.(00:00) Setting the stage on a shocking evening of baseball(03:15) Looking through what happened in the game(10:00) What did Mark DeRosa know and when did he know it?(16:45) 3-1 = 3-1 = 3-1. That's not complicated math(21:15) Explaining the tiebreaker permutations.(25:00) Looking the USA managerial choices(31:45) This has been a systemic issue for Team USAOur Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Progressive: https://progressive.com* Check out Quince: https://quince.com/BA2022Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Geoff Pontes and JJ Cooper are getting ready to head down to spring training to watch the Spring Breakout games and prowl the MiLB games on the back fields. So what do we hope to get out of the trips and what should prospect watchers glean from spring training performances?(01:00) How Shohei Ohtani and Khalil Watson taught us to not over-react(06:00) MiLB spring training assignments can offer useful info(08:45) The back fields give a useful sense of organization depth/talent(11:00) Previewing how we will build our April Top 100 Prospects update(18:05) Looking at our 2025 April Top 100 Movement. Some successes (Kevin McGonigle/Konnor Griffin) and one to regret (Colson Montgomery)(21:30) Why you can get more out of pitchers changes in spring training than hitters(27:00) Things we are looking forward to seeing on our tripUse our code TERRITORY10 for 10% off your next SeatGeek order* seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discountOur Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Progressive: https://progressive.com* Check out Quince: https://quince.com/BA2022Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On this week's Hot Sheet Show, J.J. Cooper, Geoff Pontes and Carlos Collazo discuss players to know from the World Baseball Classic before breaking down our first full mock draft of the 2026 cycle.The Hot Sheet Show airs live on the BA YouTube channel every week on Tuesday at 3 p.m. Give us a sub, and we'll see you then!Time Stamps(0:00) Introduction (1:15) KBO & NPB players who have stood out in the WBC (7:30) HS pitcher Joseph Contreras pitches against the U.S. (10:00) Why the Angels are a WBC winner (11:45) Olympic baseball vs. WBC and our tournament picks (13:50) Breaking down Carlos' first 2026 mock draft (17:45) Roch Cholowsky overreactions (18:50) Thoughts on college pitchers (20:45) Cade Townsend vs. Joey Volckho—who's getting better feedback? (23:25) Vac Veen has bulked up and is performing in spring training (25:15) A's prospects who are standing out this springOur Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Progressive: https://progressive.com* Check out Quince: https://quince.com/BA2022Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We're going deep on each of the top prospects in the AL West. We explain how each respective player climbed to No. 1 in their system, run through their scouting reports and lay out what you should expect in 2026.Time Stamps(0:00) — Leo De Vries, Athletics(8:15) — Xavier Neyens, Astros(17:30) — Tyler Bremner, Angels(26:40) — Colt Emerson, Mariners(34:50) — Sebastian Walcott, RangersOur Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Progressive: https://progressive.com* Check out Quince: https://quince.com/BA2022Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On this week's episode of the Baseball America fantasy podcast we dive into the final division preview on the American League side. We dive into the AL West as hosts Geoff Pontes and Dylan White review some of the top 2026 contributors, highest upside and sleepers in the AL West divison.Seattle Mariners(2:00) Colt Emerson(7:30) Ryan Sloan(10:00) Kade Anderson(12:00) Michael Arroyo(14:00) Nick BeckerHouston Astros(16:00) Zach Cole (18:00) AJ Blubaugh(20:00) Xavier Neyens(22:00) Kevin Alvarez(24:00) Lucas Spence(26:00) Anthony HuezoAthletics(28:00) Gage Jump(30:00) Braden Nett(31:00) Leo De Vries(33:00) Wei-En LinTexas Rangers(35:00) David Davalillo(38:00) Caden Scarborough(40:00) AJ RussellLos Angeles Angels(43:00) Nelson Rada(45:00) Tyler Bremner(46:00) George Klassen(48:00) Trey Gregory Alford(49:00) Denzer GuzmanOur Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Progressive: https://progressive.com* Check out Quince: https://quince.com/BA2022Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On the new Draft Podcast, Carlos Collazo and JJ Cooper try to figure out what to make of UCLA outfielder Will Gasparino's amazing start to the season. Carlos also shares his reporting and in-person insights from seeing Justin Lebron and Roch Cholowsky this past weekend plus Carlos has a rising prep pitcher to watch.(0:00) Texas has been good to Carlos(5:15) Will Gasparino is on fire(12:00) Players who Gasparino reminds(21:00) Roch Cholowsky & Justin Lebron how they compare and contrast(26:00) Defensive reliability could be a separator between the two(31:00) Cooper Harris is going to climb in our next draft rankings updateOur Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Progressive: https://progressive.com* Check out Quince: https://quince.com/BA2022Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Taylor Blake Ward and Geoff Pontes are taking an in-depth look at the Angels farm system on the latest and final Prospect Podcast Deep Dive of the 2026 preseason.(00:00) Yes, the Angels wrap up this series, but there's no meaning behind it.(02:00) Why Tyler Bremner was the clear choice at No. 1. Who else could have been considered(09:15) How is the system better or worse than last year?(12:40) Why there are arms now to get excited about(16:00) Who could be next year's No. 1 prospect?(17:00) Why the position players face bigger questions(19:15) Why using Tri-City is back in fashionPODCAST ONLY(21:00) Other prospects to keep an eye onOur Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Progressive: https://progressive.com* Check out Quince: https://quince.com/BA2022Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On this week's Hot Sheet Show, J.J. Cooper, Geoff Pontes and Ian Cundall preview the World Baseball Classic with a look at top teams and prospects to know for this year's tournament. Plus, what's the status of Nolan McLean for Team USA?We also discuss the potential MLB outcomes for top prospects who could skip over Triple-A like Konnor Griffin and Kevin McGonigle.The Hot Sheet Show airs live on the BA YouTube channel every week on Tuesday at 3 p.m. Give us a sub, and we'll see you then!Time Stamps(0:00) Introduction(1:45) Non-MLB players we're excited to see in the WBC(6:00) Top four teams in the WBC field(8:20) Teams to watch out for below the top tier(12:20) Outlook for prospects who skip Triple-A(21:30) Nolan McLean dealing with vertigoStart your 7-day free trial today at FOXOne.comOur Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Progressive: https://progressive.com* Check out Quince: https://quince.com/BA2022Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Baseball America national college reporter Jacob Rudner and prospect writer Geoff Pontes look back at the standout moments from Week 3 of the college baseball season, including UCLA's three ranked wins at Globe Life Field. Rudner and Pontes also take a closer look at the Florida Gators' rise into the top 15, Southern Miss' early season dominance, and more.(3:24) UCLA is a wagon(13:00) Pay attention to Southern Miss(18:05) Florida makes a nine-spot jump in the rankings(24:06) USC’s historic pitching(34:35) College umpiring (41:01) Matchups to look forward toOur Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Progressive: https://progressive.com* Check out Quince: https://quince.com/BA2022Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Matt Eddy and JJ Cooper take a look at a very different Nationals farm system in the latest Prospect Podcast Deep Dive. There's a new head of baseball operations in Paul Toboni and a very different approach to 2026 and beyond.(00:00) Rebuilt, Part II?(04:00) Breaking down No. 1 prospect SS Eli Willits(06:30) How much could Jarlin Susana factor into the top prospect ranking if fully healthy?(07:00) A lot of trades have bolstered the system, but it's also not a great sign(09:00) The big change that has to happen in Nationals player development(14:00) Looking at 2024 first-round pick Seaver King(15:20) What is the organization good at developing?(19:45) Who other than Willits could factor into next year's No. 1 prospect race?(22:30) Looking at prospects outside the Top 10Our Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Progressive: https://progressive.com* Check out Quince: https://quince.com/BA2022Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We're going deep on each of the top prospects in the AL Central. We explain how each respective player climbed to No. 1 in their system, run through their scouting reports and lay out what you should expect in 2026.Time Stamps(0:00) — Travis Bazzana, Guardians (9:20) — Noah Schultz, White Sox (17:50) — Kevin McGonigle, Tigers (28:00) — Carter Jensen, Royals (36:05) — Walker Jenkins, TwinsOur Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Progressive: https://progressive.com* Check out Quince: https://quince.com/BA2022Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Matt Eddy and JJ Cooper are taking a look at a New York Mets farm system that is loaded in big league ready prospects for the latest Prospect Podcast Deep DIve.(00:00) It's been an interesting offseason(01:45) Breaking down Nolan McLean(05:45) Why the Brewers trade dealt players with tough fits(07:00) How good is Jonah Tong?(09:30) This system is at its peak right now(11:00) The Mets built prospects to the point where they could be traded(13:00) Who is next year's No. 1 prospect?(15:45) Where does Wandy Asigen fit in?(18:00) What is the system good at developing?(22:00) Looking at prospects outside the Top 10Our Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Progressive: https://progressive.com* Check out Quince: https://quince.com/BA2022Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Our champion Dylan White makes his triumphant return to the Baseball America Fantasy Podcast this week. To celebrate we roll into the second episode of our division by division prospect breakdown. This week we dive into the AL Central and some absolutely loaded systems.(3:30) Cleveland Guardians(4:00) Chase DeLauter 2026 Contributor.(6:00) Parker Messick 2026 Contributor.(9:00) Ralphy Velazquez Highest Upside(11:00) Jace Laviolette Highest Upside(13:00) Kahlil Watson Most Underrated(15:00) Yorman Gomez Most Underrated(19:00) Detroit Tigers(20:00) Kevin McGonigle 2026 Contributor.(21:00) Trei Cruz 2026 Contributor(23:00) Josue Briceno Highest Upside(25:00) Bryce Rainer Highest Upside(26:00) Hao-Yu Lee Most Underrated(27:00) Andrew Sears Most Underrated(29:00) Jack Penny Most Underrated(32:00) Kansas City Royals(32:30) Carter Jensen 2026 Contributor(33:00) Kendry Chourio Highest Upside(35:00) Josh Hammond Highest Upside(36:00) Luinder Avila Most Underrated(37:00) Carson Roccaforte Most Underrated(39:00) Chicago White Sox(40:00) Hagen Smith 2026 Contributor.(41:00) Braden Montgomery 2026 Contributor.(43:00) Caleb Bonemer Highest Upside(45:00) Billy Carlson Highest Upside(46:00) Javier Mogollon Most Underrated(48:00) Jeral Perez Most Underrated(50:00) Minnesota Twins(51:00) Emmanuel Rodriguez 2026 Contributor(53:00) Walker Jenkins 2026 Contributor.(54:00) Kendry Rojas Highest Upside(55:00) Quentin Young Highest Upside(57:00) Hendry Mendez Most Underrated(59:00) Gabriel Gonzalez Most UnderratedOur Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Progressive: https://progressive.com* Check out Quince: https://quince.com/BA2022Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jon Meoli and JJ Cooper take an in-depth look at the Baltimore Orioles farm system for the lastest Prospect Podcast Deep Dive. This is an Orioles system that still has an elite prospect at the top, but thanks to trades and a massive 2025 draft haul, it also has more depth than before.(00:00) This has been a fascinating offseason.(03:50) Why Samuel Basallo is special(12:10) How is this system better or worse than last year?(16:30) The top prospects are no longer just high draft picks(19:10) Why Nate George stands out(22:15) If it clicks for Esteban Mejia, watch out(24:30) Where does Enrique Bradfield fit?(28:45) Looking at prospects outside the Top 10Our Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Progressive: https://progressive.com* Check out Quince: https://quince.com/BA2022Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy