Baseball America

This week on the Baseball America Fantasy Podcast JJ Cooper stands in for Dylan White, as our Canadian Co-Host recovers from the Jays victory party in Toronto. JJ and Geoff talk through a host of big name pitching prospects that impressed in their MLB debuts in 2025. We talk through Cam Schlittler, Trey Yesavage and others. In the second half of the show we discuss some 2025 breakout hitters in MLB and just how much we're buying into each heading into 2026.(4:00) Keeping McGonigle Hot(6:00) Standout Late Season Pitching Debuts.(7:00) Cam Schlittler(13:00) Trey Yesavage(17:30) Red Sox Starters Connelly Early and Payton Tolle.(31:00) Shea Langliers(35:00) Brice Turang(40:00) Colson Montgomery(46:00) Jakob MarseeArena ClubGet 20% off your first Slab Pack or card purchase by going to ArenaClub.com/FOUL and use code FOULOur Sponsors:* Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/BASEBALLAMERICASupport 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 talk a whole lot about pitchers' velocity. We discuss why it's the key to MLB success, and we look at which MiLB pitchers throw the hardest and have the nastiest stuff.(00:00) Why we love velocity(05:00) A new study finds MLB SPs who throw harder not only have more success, they also have longer careers(20:00) Looking at which MiLB pitchers threw 100 mph in 2025.(31:10) MiLB Stuff Leaders(44:00) Prospect SoapboxesLinks: MiLB Stuff Leaders: https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/top-150-minor-league-stuff-leaders-for-2025/The MiLB Pitchers Who Threw 100 MPH In 2025: https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/all-125-mlb-prospects-who-threw-100-mph-in-the-minor-leagues-in-2025/MLB SPs Who Have Long Careers Throw Hard: https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/to-have-a-lengthy-mlb-career-pitchers-need-to-throw-hard/Go to Superpower.com to learn more and lock in the special $199 price while it lasts. Live up to your 100-Year potential. #superpowerpodOur Sponsors:* Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/BASEBALLAMERICASupport 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, Carlos Collazo and Scott Braun take an early look at the 2026 MLB Draft.We discuss Roch Cholowsky's 1-1 exciting profile, lottery odds and where Grady Emerson fits in. Plus, we answer a fan question about the Arizona Fall League.We stream the Hot Sheet Show every Monday at 3:30 p.m. ET on YouTube.Time Stamps(0:00) Introduction(1:00) 2026 draft's high school class(3:30) Roch Cholowsky is the clear-cut No. 1 draft prospect(5:45) Cholowsky's draft profile(8:30) Where Grady Emerson fits in the draft picture(11:45) Draft lottery odds(15:10) The best case lottery scenario for the Pirates(17:00) Fast-moving draftees(20:40) Teams ready to improve through the draft(23:15) Who has the best Arizona Fall League roster?Our Sponsors:* Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/BASEBALLAMERICASupport 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 dig into a host of underrated prospects. We talk about some hitters and pitchers with traits to target in fantasy baseball. We use their underlying data and our internal models to identify some sleepers for your offseason target lists. (1:00) Recapping our 2025 Fantasy Seasons(5:00) Playoffs under way(12:00) Ethan Frey(14:00) Juneiker Caceres(17:00) Wei-En Lin(22:00) Trey Gibson(25:00) Deniel Ortiz(29:00) Hendry MendezOur Sponsors:* Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/BASEBALLAMERICASupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week on the Prospect Podcast, Jesús Cano and JJ Cooper talk about the Bridge League and the Instructional League, where MLB draft picks and top international prospects get intense instruction in a more relaxed environment. Jesús has been working the back fields for several months, and he highlights some of the prospects who have stood out.(00:00) Explaining Instructs and Bridge League(11:00) Rockies SS Ethan Holliday(16:00) White Sox SS Billy Carlson(18:30) Reds SS Steele Hall(20:45) Rangers Two-Way Player Josh Owens(24:45) Padres LHP Kruz Schoolcraft(27:15) White Sox OF Jaden Fauske(30:15) Giants SS Josuar Gonzalez(33:30) A's SS Edgar Montero(42:00) Angels C Gabriel Davalillo(44:45) Prospect SoapboxesGet 20% off your first Slab Pack or card purchase by going to ArenaClub.com/FOUL and use code FOULOur Sponsors:* Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/BASEBALLAMERICASupport 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 went back and forth to draft 2026 college baseball fantasy teams with four hitters, two starting pitchers and a reliever. Rudner and Flaherty also offered their analysis and insight on recent reporting that Tennessee head coach Tony Vitello could be a wild-card candidate to fill the San Francisco Giants' manager vacancy.(2:48) Tony Vitello's San Francisco candidacy(10:56) Explaining our fantasy draft rules(12:32) UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky(15:00)Oregon State righty Dax Whitney(17:52) TCU outfielder Sawyer Strosnider (19:49) Coastal Carolina righty Cameron Flukey(22:59) Virginia outfielder AJ Gracia(24:47) Georgia Tech outfielder Drew Burress(28:04) UC Santa Barbara righty Jackson Flora(32:00) Mississippi State third baseman Ace Reese(33:56) TCU righty Tommy LaPour(37:50) Houston outfielder Tre Broussard(40:58) Texas A&M righty MJ Bollinger (40:58)(44:30) LSU lefty Santiago Garcia (44:30)(47:52) Texas Tech outfielder Logan Hughes(50:35) Kentucky shortstop Tyler BellOur Sponsors:* Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/BASEBALLAMERICASupport 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, Jesús Cano and Scott Braun are joined by Diamondbacks prospect Ryan Waldschmidt, who ranks fourth in the team's Top 30 prospects list and was Arizona's MiLB Player of the Year.We also discuss the D-back's farm system grade and rookie pitchers getting ready for the bright lights of the MLB postseason.We stream the Hot Sheet Show every Monday at 3:30 p.m. ET on YouTube.Time Stamps(0:00) Introduction (0:30) Preorder the 2026 prospect handbook (1:30) D-backs' farm system: reasons to be hopeful (4:45) D-backs' farm system: reasons to be concerned (6:15) Jordan Lawlar & Tommy Troy (9:00) How can the D-backs compete with the high-spending Dodgers? (13:35) Ryan Waldschmidt on his background (18:20) On becoming a first-round draft prospect (22:45) On feeling comfortable in pro ball (26:20) Rookie pitchers in the playoffsOur Sponsors:* Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/BASEBALLAMERICASupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Carlos and Peter spend the entire podcast getting into the weeds on UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky. He’s the No. 1 player in the class and both Peter and college writer Jacob Rudner picked Cholowsky as the “way too early” favorite to be the player of the year next season. How does he stack up with recent college prospects? Is he in a tier of his own for college shortstops? And are there any real holes in his game? —Time Stamps(0:00) Intro(3:30) Roch Cholowsky as the PotY favorite(5:00) Is Cholowsky the best college SS prospect since Dansby Swanson?(10:00) Cholowsky as a defender(15:00) Comparing him to other top-10 4YR SSs(19:00) What are the concerns?(24:00) What tool grades would we put on him?(32:00) His improvements as a sophomore(35:00) Roch Cholowsky vs. Marek Houston as defendersGo to Superpower.com and use code FOUL to get $50 off your annual Superpower subscription. Live up to your 100-Year potential. #superpowerpodOur Sponsors:* Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/BASEBALLAMERICASupport 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 podcast Geoff Pontes is joined by Jacob Rudner to chat about Arizona Fall League rosters. We open the show covering the big names before diving into 10 prospects we think could breakout in AFL play.(4:00) Kevin McGonigle the best hitter in the AFL.(9:00) Josue De Paula(15:00) Karson Milbrandt(18:00) Marco Dinges(20:00) Sean Linan(23:00) Parks Harber(25:00) Jakob Wright(27:00) Esmerlyn Valdez(29:00) Hendry Mendez(31:00) Sam Petersen(33:00) Blake Mitchell(36:00) Nick MorabitoFair HarborFor 20% off your first purchase, head to http://FairHarborClothing.com/FOUL20 and use code FOUL20.Our Sponsors:* Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/BASEBALLAMERICASupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Pirates SS Konnor Griffin is Baseball America's 2025 MiLB Player of the Year, as we announced on the Hot Sheet show. In today's Prospect Podcast, Geoff Pontes, Josh Norris and J.J. Cooper try to explain what stands out about Konnor Griffin, and why he's the best prospect in baseball.Time Stamps(00:00) How fortunate we were to see Konnor Griffin play(02:45) How tough a decision was it?(08:45) What made Konnor Griffin's season special?(16:45) Our impressions of Konnor Griffin from watching him play(26:45) Does Griffin compare to past MiLB POYs like Gunnar Henderson and Bobby Witt Jr.?(36:30) The way too hot comp we're hesitant to bring up?(43:00) Prospect Soapboxeshttps://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/konnor-griffin-baseball-americas-2025-minor-league-player-of-the-year/https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/2025-milb-player-of-the-year-race-presented-plenty-of-options/https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/how-konnor-griffin-compares-to-every-baseball-america-milb-player-of-the-year-since-1981/Go to https://OmahaSteaks.com to get 50% off sitewide during their Red-Hot Sale Event and use Promo Code FOUL at checkout for an extra $35 off.Our Sponsors:* Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/BASEBALLAMERICASupport 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 and Scott Braun are joined by a very special guest: 2025 Baseball America Minor League Player of the Year Konnor Griffin.We talk to the Pirates shortstop about his breakout 2025 campaign, swing changes, the potential for future success in Pittsburgh and a lot more.We stream the Hot Sheet Show every Monday at 3:30 p.m. ET on YouTube.Time Stamps(0:00) Introduction (0:45) Kevin McGonigle didn't win POY... but he was still really good (7:30) The same goes for Jonah Tong (13:00) Answering a viewer question about Caleb Bonemer (15:40) 2025 MiLB Player of the Year Konnor Griffin joins the show (18:00) What adjustments did Griffin make to break out in 2025? (21:20) Spring training benefits and his position (25:20) Griffin's favorite player growing up (26:15) Griffin's relationship with Paul Skenes & the future in PittsburghOur Sponsors:* Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/BASEBALLAMERICASupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

2025 Bowman Chrome drops next Tuesday. To celebrate, J.J. Cooper and Seth Mates joined WeTheHobby's latest podcast to break down this year's card set ranging from our favorite prospects to target, potential future DSL stars and our favorite teams in the checklist. You can check out the full show here.Looking to go even deeper? Here's BA's Bowman Chrome preview, exclusively for BA subscribers. Our Sponsors:* Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/BASEBALLAMERICASupport 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 Geoff Pontes, Dylan White and Jacob Rudner dive into the 2025 Rookie class with an eye toward next year and beyond. We go through some of the top names and discuss their potential value in 2026 leagues.(3:30) How high should Nick Kurtz go in a 16 team dynasty startup?(9:30) Roman Anthony vs Nick Kurtz the next five years.(13:00) Jacob Misiorowski vs Nolan McLean vs Chase Burns for 2026.(21:00) Marcelo Mayer going into 2026, is his stock up or down?(30:00) Owen Caissie expectations for 2026.(35:00) Moises Ballesteros value for 2026 and beyond.(41:00) Lightning Round: In or Out? Bubba Chandler Drake Baldwin Colson Montgomery, Matt Shaw, Luke Keaschall, Dylan Beavers, Sal Stewart.SurfsharkGo to Surfshark.com/foul or use code FOUL at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN!Our Sponsors:* Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/BASEBALLAMERICASupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Carlos Collazo and JJ Cooper are just back from the 2025 Under Armour Next All-American Game at Camden Yards. They take a look at some of the 2026 draft prospects who stood out at the event.(00:00) The capper on the summer showcase circuit(06:00) Genson Veras(10:00) Landon Thome(12:00) Jaxon Matthews(15:15) Ty Burnham(16:15) Coleton Brady(19:30) Mickey Gilligan(20:15) Sean Dunlap(23:45 Dominic SantarelliGo to https://MeUndies.com/Foul and enter promo code FOUL for up to 50% off!Our Sponsors:* Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/BASEBALLAMERICASupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Thankfully the vast majority of top players in the majors these days were Top 100 Prospects when they were minor leaguers, but not everyone was. Today on the Prospect Podcast, Jacob Rudner and JJ Cooper are taking a look at four prospects who didn't rank in the Top 100, but we wish had. We try to see what we missed and what lessons can be learned from each one.(00:00) Where BA staffers are on the road for the playoffs.(02:30) What we missed and what we can learn from C Cal Raleigh(14:55) What we missed and what we can learn from 3B Maikel Garcia(25:00) What we missed and what we can learn from LHP Cristopher Sanchez(33:40) What we missed and what we can learn from RHP Logan Webb(55:15) JJ's Prospect Soapbox is a Braves outfielder(57:15) Jacob's Prospect Soapbox is a Marlins pitcherGo to https://MeUndies.com/Foul and enter promo code FOUL for up to 50% off!Our Sponsors:* Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/BASEBALLAMERICASupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Baseball America college writer Jacob Rudner and national reporter Peter Flaherty break down underrated transfer portal classes, particularly at the mid-major level, and take a look ahead at the 2026 season with notable players to keep an eye on.(2:45) Underrated portal classes(11:45) How a portal class can change a mid-major's outlook(18:28) Incoming freshmen to watch(27:01) Sophomores to watch(39:25) Four juniors who excite us(49:10) Two seniors to keep tabs onGet 20% off your first Slab Pack or card purchase by going to https://ArenaClub.com/FOUL and use code FOULOur Sponsors:* Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/BASEBALLAMERICASupport 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 Jesús Cano discuss some exciting recent callups in the Blue Jays' Trey Yesavage and the Giants' Bryce Eldridge.We also discuss rookies that have stood out this season. Who are the rookie of the year candidates? Which rookies will succeed long term?We stream the Hot Sheet Show every Monday at 3:30 p.m. ET on YouTube.Time Stamps(0:00) Introduction (1:05) Breaking down Trey Yesavage's callup to the Blue Jays (5:45) Can Yesavage factor into Toronto's postseason plans? (8:30) Breaking down Bryce Eldridge's callup to the Giants (11:30) Eldridge's mammoth power (15:50) Nick Kurtz's impressive rookie season (18:50) Cade Horton's overshadowed rookie production (22:10) Colson Montgomery's surprising showing in MLB (24:05) Connelly Early's dominant Red Sox debutOur Sponsors:* Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/BASEBALLAMERICASupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Carlos, Jacob and Peter review our preseason draft teams for the 2025 class. Who did well, who did poorly, which picks do we love and which do we regret with the benefit of hindsight? Perhaps more importantly, what are the lessons we can learn from this exercise and put towards the 2026 class? You can see each of the three teams drafted below, as well as the “best of the rest” of the highest draft bonus players who went unpicked.—Time Stamps(0:00) Intro(4:00) Macro team analysis(6:00) Biggest misses(9:00) The risks of HS pitchers in this exercise(14:00) Players who have leverage in the spring(18:00) Will Stanford continue to recruit like they have?(24:00) Long term view for Ben’s picks(26:00) Jacob’s picks he liked and picks he would take back(31:00) Carlos’s picks he liked and picks he would take back(35:20) How do agents influence this process?(37:00) Closing thoughts—Carlos’s TeamC — Ike Irish, 4418400CIF — Dean Curley, 1733905CIF — Xavier Neyens, 4120000MIF — Eli Willits, 8200000MIF — Marek Houson, 4497500OF — Nick Dumesnil, 214300OF — Slater de Brun, 4000000OF — Kane Kepley, 1400000P — Jamie Arnold, 5985100P — Seth Hernandez, 7250000P — Landon Harmon, 2500000P — Cameron Appenzeller, 0UTL — Aiva Arquette, 7149900Total Bonus Value: $51,469,105Jacob’s TeamC — Luke Stevenson, 2800000CIF — Gavin Fien, 4800000CIF — Boston Kellner, 0MIF — Kayson Cunningham, 4581900MIF — Brady Ebel, 2750000OF — Devin Taylor, 2500000OF — Henry Ford, 0OF — Dean Moss, 1733905P — Tyler Bremner, 7689525P — Kruz Schoolcraft, 3606600P — Kyson Witherspoon, 5000000P — Cam Leiter, 1346600UTL — Brandon Compton, 2000000Total Bonus Value: $38,808,530Ben’s teamC — Caden Bodine, 3110800CIF — Tre Phelps, 0CIF — Ethan Holliday, 9000000MIF — Billy Carlson, 6235900MIF — Lucas Franco, 0OF — Jace LaViolette, 4000000OF — Cam Cannarella, 2277425OF — Brendan Summerhill, 1997500P — Matt Scott, 0P — Justice De Jong, 0P — Josh Hammond, 3197500P — Angel Cervantes, 0UTL — Brock Sell, 0Total Bonus Value: $29,819,125Best of the RestC — Michael Oliveto, 2447500CIF — Andrew Fischer, 3500000CIF — Ethan Petry, 2090000MIF — JoJo Parker, 6197500MIF — Steele Hall, 5747500OF — Sean Gamble, 3997500OF — Ethan Conrad, 3563100OF — Jaden Fauske, 2997500P — Kade Anderson, 8800000P — Liam Doyle, 7250000P — Gage Wood, 3000000P — Patrick Forbes, 3000000UTL — Gavin Kilen, 5247500Total Bonus Value: $57,838,100—Go to https://surfshark.com/foul or use code FOUL at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN!Our Sponsors:* Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/BASEBALLAMERICASupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Josh Norris and JJ Cooper analyze the just announced Arizona Fall League rosters. Who are the names to know and who is a surprise addition? We break it down.(00:00) Why we are excited(01:30) Who we are most excited to see(06:15) Which team has the best/most interesting roster(10:00) Why Kevin McGonigle's inclusion is unusual(17:30) Non-Top 100 Prospects in the AFL to watchGo to https://surfshark.com/foul or use code FOUL at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN!Our Sponsors:* Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/BASEBALLAMERICASupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Baseball America Fantasy Podcast returns this week with an in-depth discussion centered around how to target pitching prospects in fantasy. We dig into some of the recent promotions of pitching prospects and how late season promotions can propel you in deeper leagues down the stretch. In the second half of the show we dig into a handful of pitchers who added stuff and a few who saw diminished velocity and results in 2025. (4:00) Connelly Early debuts, impressions and thoughts.(15:00) Dax Kilby(18:00) Braden Montgomery and Noah Schultz done for the season.(21:00) Liam Doyle debuts(24:00) Robby Snelling and Thomas White(28:00) Christian Oppor(30:00) JR Ritchie(33:00) Tink Hence(35:00) Jaden Hamm(38:00) Sam AldegheriFair HarborFor 20% off your first purchase, head to https://FairHarborClothing.com/FOUL and use code FOULOur Sponsors:* Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/BASEBALLAMERICASupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy